NPHIL Confirms Three New Cases of Mpox-Clade-2a Strain, Totaling 11 Under-Treatment Cases in Liberia
October 15, 2024
Liberia's National Public Health Institute has confirmed 11 active cases of Mpox-clade-2a strain, with three new cases in Bong and Grand Bassa Counties. Since the outbreak was declared a public emergency in January, Liberia has detected 17 total cases. Gene sequencing confirmed the circulation of clade 2a, predominantly found in West Africa. Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, NPHIL Director General, emphasized preventive measures like hand washing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. The outbreak has affected several African countries, spreading through close contact and contaminated materials. NPHIL stresses the importance of early detection and reporting of symptoms.
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has reported an increase in Mpox cases, with Director General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan confirming 11 active cases of the Mpox-clade-2a strain. This includes three new cases identified in Bong and Grand Bassa Counties. Since the World Health Organization and Africa Center for Disease Control declared the outbreak a public emergency in January, Liberia has detected a total of 17 cases.
Key points of the outbreak and response include:
1. Strain Identification: Gene sequencing conducted at international labs, including the Nigeria Africa Center for Disease Control and the U.S. National Institute of Health, confirmed the circulation of clade 2a in Liberia.
2. Regional Context: Clade 2a is predominantly found in West Africa, distinct from clade 1 which is more prevalent in Central Africa, particularly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
3. Transmission: Both clades primarily transfer from animals to humans. Clade 2b, responsible for the 2022 outbreak, is similar to clade 2a.
4. Spread in Africa: The outbreak has affected several countries including Burundi, Kenya, Rwanda, and Uganda, prompting international concern.
5. Transmission Methods: Mpox can spread through close contact such as touching, kissing, or sexual activity, as well as through contaminated materials like bedding, clothing, and needles.
6. Public Health Measures: NPHIL advises preventive measures including hand washing and avoiding close contact with infected individuals.
7. Regional Spread: New cases have been confirmed in neighboring countries like Nigeria and Côte d'Ivoire.
8. Local Impact: Since the beginning of 2024, Liberia has confirmed 5 cases across 3 counties.
NPHIL emphasizes the importance of early detection and prompt reporting of Mpox symptoms to medical facilities. The institute continues to monitor the situation closely, working with international partners to manage the outbreak and prevent further spread. This situation underscores the ongoing challenges in managing infectious diseases in the region and the importance of robust public health surveillance and response systems.