The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has announced no confirmed cases of Mpox among inmates at the Sinoe Prison after specimens tested negative for the virus.
In a press release issued on Sunday, February 2, 2025, NPHIL Director General Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan disclosed that following reports of a pox-like disease affecting several inmates in Sinoe County, the institute conducted an intensive investigation, including molecular testing, and found no evidence of Mpox infection.
“The inmates we tested do not have Mpox based on our evaluation and investigation using molecular testing such as real-time PCR. We will also perform gene sequencing here at the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) to search for any related pathogens or infectious agents hiding in the background,” Dr. Nyan stated.
Public health responders extracted appropriate specimens from affected inmates, then tested for pox-like viruses at the NRL in Charlesville, Margibi County. The results confirmed that the inmates were negative for the Monkeypox virus.
However, the affected individuals have been isolated and referred for further clinical evaluation by dermatologists to determine the cause of their skin conditions.
Dr. Nyan further revealed that NPHIL is also investigating a similar outbreak of pox-like disease among inmates at the Senje Prison in Bomi County. Specimens from those inmates have been collected and are currently undergoing testing at the National Reference Laboratory.
As part of Liberia’s response to the global Mpox outbreak declared by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), NPHIL has emphasized public health precautions to prevent any potential transmission.
“The public is advised to remain calm and rely on NPHIL for accurate information. We urge everyone to avoid contact with suspected cases, report any such cases to the nearest health facility, and observe all sanitary and public health measures,” the statement concluded.
