Liberia has confirmed 21 cases of Lassa fever, resulting in 5 deaths, along with 6 confirmed cases of Mpox.
These developments highlight the ongoing public health scrutiny and challenges since the outbreak in Africa.
The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) recently made the pronouncement following public health initiatives to combat the virus.
In the current Epidemic Intelligence Report on Liberia relating to the Monkeypox (Mpox) virus and Lassa Fever virus, there are 6 confirmed cases and 0 deaths which shows a moderate risk in Liberia.
According to the Intelligence, 21 Lassa Fever cases have been confirmed with 5 deaths recorded, indicating a high risk of the disease.
The Current Epidemic Intelligence Report on Liberia by Africa CDC also reveals risk levels including moderate with suspected cases of 1,081, and 974 confirmed cases.
Under the Liberia Mpox Virus Preparedness risk level which is moderate, it accounts for zero suspected cases, while confirmed Cases are 6.
Since the last update on 7 June 2024, the MOH reported one new confirmed case and no deaths from Nimba County.
Cumulatively, six confirmed cases and no deaths of Mpox have been reported from three counties in Liberia this year.
The counties include Grand Kru which has one confirmed, Nimba, four confirmed, and Sinoe, one confirmed.
Of confirmed cases, males accounted for 50%, and 67% were persons aged 51 years and above.
The Ministry of Health and NPHIL call on Liberians to exercise preventive measures to minimize or curtail the spread of the virus.
To prevent the spread of the Mpox Virus, NPHIL and MOH want citizens not to touch or eat animals that may have Mpox sickness whether dead or alive.
According to them, individuals who are not affected should avoid touching those who are already affected.
In a public health notice, individuals should avoid touching beddings, clothes, or other things that have been in contact with affected persons or animals.
They want people to keep the community and their houses clean from dirt and weed grasses to prevent animals that are carrying the Mpox sickness around their vicinities.
The notice also cautioned Liberians to wash their hands with soap and water or use alcohol-based sanitizer, especially after contact with a sick person or animal.
By: Blesset D. Kenkennie
