Liberia Confirms Four New Cases of Mpox Amid Growing Concerns
Liberia has confirmed four new mpox cases, coming from Sinoe, Montserrado, and Margibi. Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan assured the public that all patients are stable and recovering. A local comedian’s recent diagnosis has heightened awareness and concern. Meanwhile, vaccination efforts are underway in response to the outbreak, especially amid rising cases in Sierra Leone.
In a pressing update, Liberia’s National Public Health Institute (NPHIL) has confirmed four new mpox cases across the country, including one in Sinoe, two in Montserrado, and one in Margibi County. Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, the Director General, disclosed this information during a press conference alongside representatives from the Ministry of Health, the Africa Center for Disease Control, and other key health organizations. He reassured the public that the situation is under control, urging adherence to health protocols designed to halt the virus’s spread. “All four patients are stable and receiving care at designated facilities,” Dr. Nyan stated.
Dr. Nyan highlighted a comprehensive overview of the mpox situation, indicating that from January 1, 2024, to May 11, 2025, Liberia had recorded 652 suspected cases. Out of 572 lab tests conducted, 78 were confirmed as mpox infections. Encouragingly, the director reported, “Out of these 78 cases, we only have one active, so all 77 cases have recovered. So to this date, Liberia has only one active case and zero deaths.”
The emergence of these new cases comes after concern grew over social media activity by a local comedian, T. Kelvin Nimely, also known as Ambassador Jabateh the Kruman. He recently revealed his mpox diagnosis via Facebook, stating that he contracted the virus during a performance on tour in Lofa County. “We both rubbed our sweat on each other while I was on stage,” Nimely recounted, describing a fellow performer who appeared ill and covered in rashes.
Following the unsettling performance, Nimely experienced symptoms after returning to Monrovia. He sought treatment at three different hospitals, but his condition worsened, prompting him to realize it might be mpox. “The rashes extended to under my feet; this was how I got infected,” he shared about his alarming situation. After posting the videos about his condition, local health officials reached out, leading to his eventual test for the virus.
Orange Liberia’s Communications Manager, Maybel Mason, confirmed awareness of Nimely’s situation, stating the company took swift action to have other members of the tour checked for infections. “All of the people that were with him on that trip got themselves checked as well,” Mason said. She noted ongoing communication with the Ministry of Health to facilitate any necessary contact tracing.
The rise in Liberia’s confirmed cases comes amid reports of a surge in Sierra Leone, where over 2,045 mpox cases have been documented, including 65 new infections and 11 fatalities. In response, Dr. Yuah A. Nemah from the Ministry of Health revealed that Liberia has received mpox vaccines through the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, as part of a strategic effort to halt the disease’s transmission.
To date, vaccinations have been administered to more than 2,000 individuals in selected counties, targeting not only those who had contact with confirmed cases but also frontline workers. Dr. Yuah expressed the government’s commitment to vaccine deployment and community awareness efforts, with plans for vaccination activities ramping up in counties including Lofa, Montserrado, and Margibi soon.
In summary, Liberia has confirmed four new mpox cases, bringing attention to the need for public health vigilance. Dr. Dougbeh Nyan assured the public of the stability of the patients while discussing the broader context of the outbreak in the region. The case of comedian T. Kelvin Nimely underscores the importance of awareness and early detection, further supported by ongoing vaccination efforts from the Ministry of Health. With neighboring countries experiencing surges, Liberia’s health initiatives aim to effectively curb any potential spread of the virus.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
