The Liberian government, through the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), has confirmed the circulation of a new Mpox strain, Clade 2b, in addition to the previously identified Clade 2a. While no deaths have been recorded, the nation is now managing 12 active cases.
NPHIL reports that surveillance efforts have been heightened at border entry points, including Roberts International Airport, to detect, assess, and respond swiftly to suspected cases. The Incidence Management System (IMS) has also been reactivated to bolster containment efforts, particularly in border regions.
Initial gene sequencing conducted by Nigeria’s Africa Centers for Disease Control and the U.S. National Institute of Health confirmed Clade 2a in October 2024. Recently trained Liberian scientists, with international support, identified the new Clade 2b strain.
Speaking at a press conference, Dr. Mosoka Fallah Nyan from NPHIL revealed that since January 2024, Liberia has recorded 41 cumulative cases, with 19 recoveries and no fatalities. He attributed some transmissions to cross-border movements from Ivory Coast and zoonotic sources within the country.
For instance, a case in Sinoe County involved a hunter believed to have contracted the virus from an animal, subsequently infecting family members.
Dr. Nyan provided a breakdown of the 12 active cases:
- Nimba County: 4 cases
- Lofa County: 4 cases
- Grand Bassa County: 1 case
- Margibi County: 1 case
- Sinoe County: 2 cases
Nimba, which borders Ivory Coast, remains a hotspot for Mpox cases. Dr. Nyan emphasized the institute’s proactive measures, stating, “Our robust response aims to stay ahead of the curve.”
NPHIL continues to work with local and international partners to mitigate the spread of the virus, strengthen border surveillance, and raise public awareness about prevention and early detection.
