Liberia’s health authorities are heightening surveillance and cross-border collaboration following a sharp rise in mpox infections in neighboring Sierra Leone. The latter has now confirmed 2,634 cases and 14 fatalities since the outbreak began earlier this year.
Sierra Leone is currently reporting an average of 100 new cases per day, representing 58% of all mpox cases recently recorded across Africa. In response, its government has shifted from home care to centralized treatment, establishing a new mpox treatment center with an initial capacity of 400 beds, which is planned to increase to 950.
Liberia’s National Public Health Institute and Ministry of Health are closely monitoring the situation, especially along borders shared with Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. Dr. Dougbeh Nyan, Director General of Liberia’s Public Health Institute, emphasized the importance of coordinated efforts to prevent further spread.
“We have been communicating extensively with Sierra Leone’s public health officials due to the risk of cross-border transmission,” said Dr. Nyan. “Drawing from past experiences with Ebola, we are committed to strong collaboration in the region.”
The enhanced border surveillance and case management are supported by Liberia’s improved diagnostic capacity, developed since the World Health Organization declared mpox a global health emergency in 2022. Liberia has also formally offered Sierra Leone assistance with diagnostic testing and virus sequencing.
New Cases Confirmed in Liberia
Liberia recently confirmed four new mpox cases — its first increase since recording no cases between December 2024 and March 2025. One of the new infections originated from Sierra Leone.
The cases are located in Montserrado (two), Margibi (one), and Sinoe (one) counties. All samples were tested within Liberia, reflecting the country’s strengthened laboratory capabilities recognized by the Africa CDC.
“We can now test and confirm mpox cases locally without needing to send samples abroad,” Dr. Nyan noted. More than 70 patients have recovered in Liberia to date, with no deaths reported.
Vaccination Efforts Underway
Vaccination against mpox has begun in Liberia, targeting at-risk groups including healthcare workers and contacts of confirmed cases. Dr. Yuah Nemah, Director of Immunization Programs at the Ministry of Health, said more than 2,000 people have been vaccinated in four counties: Grand Cape Mount, Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Sinoe.
Liberia received over 10,000 vaccine doses in late 2024 but faces supply constraints. Vaccinations are limited to adults aged 18 and above, excluding pregnant women due to limited safety data.
Starting May 19, vaccination will expand to Montserrado, Lofa, and Margibi counties. Health teams across all 15 counties have been trained on vaccine handling and administration.
Dr. Nyan urged international partners, including Gavi, to provide additional vaccine supplies to prevent a larger outbreak.
“If we can secure enough vaccines, we stand a better chance to control the spread,” he said.
Residents are advised to avoid contact with anyone showing symptoms of mpox and to seek immediate medical attention if they experience signs such as fever, body aches, or skin lesions.