The Ministry of Health has confirmed four cases of the Mpox virus in the country, which it describes as a potential increase in probable cases. The disclosure was made on Sunday, May 18, 2025 at a joint Ministry of Health and NPHIL press conference.
According to the Health Ministry, there are two (2) active cases from Montserrado County, one (1) from Sinoe County, and one (1) from Margibi County.
In response, the Ministry of Health said it has activated its case management pillar. Upon notification in Montserrado County, health authorities made immediate contact with the individual and have transferred the patient to the National Infectious Disease Center for continuous professional medical care.
Health authorities have urged the citizenry to remain calm and adhere to the precautionary measures:
“Report symptoms promptly: Anyone experiencing rash, fever, headache or unusual symptoms is advised to avoid close contact with others and immediately seek medical attention at the nearest health facility.
“Cooperate with health teams: Suspected cases will be handled by trained professionals, and appropriate samples will be collected for testing.
“All confirmed cases will receive expert professional medical care at identified health facility.”
Additionally, the ministry disclosed that Liberia has received Mpox vaccines.
Vaccination is one of the counter-measures to interrupt the human-to-human spread of Mpox. To date, over 2,000 persons in the counties (Cape mount, Nimba, Grand Bassa and Sinoe counties) have been vaccinated against Mpox in Liberia.
The Mpox Vaccine is administered under strict conditions: all identified contacts of confirmed Mpox cases will receive the vaccine; frontline workers involved in surveillance, case management, and contact tracing, security sector (at-risk persons) will also be vaccinated as a priority group.
The ministry announced that enhanced surveillance, vaccine deployment, community engagement and awareness in Lofa, Montserrado and Margibi counties are on-going, with vaccination activities to commence accordingly.
Monkey pox (mpox) is an infectious disease that causes painful rashes, enlarged lymph nodes, fever, headache, muscle ache, back pain and low energy.
Mpox often begins on the face and spread all over the body, extending to the hands and soles of the feet and genitals, which may be itchy or painful.
Mpox can be transmitted from one person to another through direct contact with someone who has the virus. Contact involves touching, kissing, sex, hugging, cuddling with someone who has it, contact with bodily fluids, contaminated objects such as beddings, clothes, needles, etc., contaminated surfaces. One can also get mpox from the bites, scratches of an infected animal. Mpox can further be transmitted from a pregnant woman who has it to her baby during pregnancy or after birth.
Signs and symptoms begin within a week, but can start from 1—21 days after exposure. These signs and symptoms include rashes, swollen lymph nodes, fever, sore throat, headache, muscle pains, back pains and low energy.
To prevent Mpox, avoid close contact in social gatherings; avoid contact with materials such as beddings, clothes, surfaces or any contaminated items; wash your hands frequently with soap and water; practice safe sex (use condoms); clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces; use Personal Protective Equipment (PPEs) (gloves, mask) when caring for sick people; and avoid contact with infected animals.