-NPHIL Sets the Record Straight
By Jerromie S. Walters
Monrovia, Liberia – August 28, 2024: The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has refuted claims circulating in the media regarding the confirmation of six cases of Mpox in Sinoe County. The institute emphasizes that these reports are unfounded and urges the public to rely on verified information from official sources.
Mpox, previously known as monkeypox, has garnered international attention due to its recent outbreaks in various regions, including parts of Africa, Europe, and the Americas. The disease, caused by the Mpox virus, typically presents with symptoms such as fever, rash, and swollen lymph nodes, and can lead to serious health complications in some cases.
In a release dated Tuesday, August 27, 2024, NPHIL clarified: “The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) wishes to inform the public that information circulating about the confirmation of six (6) Mpox cases in Sinoe County is not true. While the NPHIL welcomes the collaboration of the media in its awareness to stop and prevent the spread of MpOx in Liberia, we also wish to remind the press that the Director-General, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan is the official spokesperson of the institute.”
In Liberia, the NPHIL is actively monitoring the situation and has implemented measures to prevent the spread of Mpox. The institute says it is committed to raising awareness about the disease and educating the public on prevention strategies. Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, the Director-General of NPHIL, serves as the official spokesperson for the institute and is the primary source of information regarding public health concerns.
NPHIL encourages media outlets to verify information with the institute before dissemination to avoid the spread of misinformation. The organization appreciates the role of the media in public health awareness but stresses the importance of accurate reporting in maintaining public trust and safety.
On an international scale, Mpox has seen a resurgence in cases, prompting health organizations worldwide to bolster their response efforts. The World Health Organization (WHO) has been instrumental in coordinating responses and sharing information among nations to combat the spread of the virus. Countries are urged to enhance surveillance, vaccination, and public health education to mitigate potential outbreaks.
A Growing Public Health Concern:
Mpox is a viral zoonotic disease that has recently garnered attention due to its potential health implications. Caused by the Mpox virus, which belongs to the Orthopoxvirus genus, the disease is generally less severe than smallpox but poses significant risks, particularly to vulnerable populations. First identified in laboratory monkeys in 1958, the virus is primarily believed to reside in various rodent species, including squirrels and rats.
Mpox can be transmitted to humans through several key pathways: Animal-to-human transmission is the primary mode of transmission, occurring through direct contact with the bodily fluids or lesions of infected animals. This can happen when individuals handle or consume undercooked meat from infected animals.
Although less common, Mpox can spread between humans through close contact with respiratory secretions, skin lesions, or bodily fluids of an infected person. Contaminated materials such as clothing or bedding can also facilitate transmission. Pregnant women can also pass the virus to their fetus through the placenta or during childbirth.
Symptoms and Clinical Manifestations:
Symptoms of Mpox typically emerge within 5 to 21 days after exposure and can include: Fever, Headache, Muscle aches, Backache, Swollen lymph nodes, Chills, Exhaustion as well as a distinctive rash that often begins on the face and spreads to other parts of the body, resembling lesions seen in chickenpox or smallpox. The rash progresses through several stages: macules, papules, vesicles, pustules, and finally scabs. The illness usually lasts between two to four weeks.
While Mpox is less severe than smallpox, it can lead to significant health complications, especially in vulnerable populations such as young children, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems. The case fatality rate for Mpox varies by outbreak and region, with estimates ranging from 1% to 10%.
Diagnosis and Treatment:
Diagnosis of Mpox typically involves a clinical evaluation based on symptoms and exposure history, alongside laboratory testing. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests are the gold standard for confirming infection, while serological tests can detect antibodies against the virus.
Currently, there is no specific antiviral treatment for Mpox. Supportive care remains the primary approach, focusing on alleviating symptoms and preventing complications. In severe cases or for high-risk individuals, antiviral medications effective against smallpox, such as tecovirimat, may be administered.
Preventive Measures:
Preventing the spread of Mpox involves several strategies: avoiding Contact with Animals, especially in regions where Mpox is endemic. The smallpox vaccine has been shown to provide cross-protection against Mpox. In light of recent outbreaks, some regions have initiated vaccination campaigns targeting at-risk populations.
Howbeit, Mpox has re-emerged as a public health concern in recent years, with outbreaks reported in various countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and parts of Africa. The World Health Organization (WHO) and other health authorities are closely monitoring these developments, emphasizing the importance of public health education, surveillance, and vaccination to control the spread of the virus.
Heightening Surveillance
Amidst the outbreak of the Mpox virus in the region, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia recently heightened surveillance at points of entry around the country. The Director-General, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan led a technical team on August 21, 2024, at the Robert International Airport in Margibi County, and August 22, 2024, at the Free Port of Monrovia respectively.
The declaration of Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox) as a public health emergency in various parts of the world has deepened the need for robust prevention and control measures, especially at Points of Entry (PoEs) in Liberia. PoEs, including airports, seaports, and ground crossings, are critical locations for mitigating the spread of Mpox among travelers and populations in transit.
This generates the strategy to enhance Mpox prevention and control at PoEs, considering the Implementation of health screening procedures for incoming travelers from high-risk counties including temperature checks, health declarations, and visual inspections for Mpox symptoms (e.g., rash, and fever).
The NPHIL Director-General and team had a high-level meeting with the management of the Robert International Airport and the National Port Authority and toured the Port Health offices. Dr. Nyan met with the Port Health Staff and commended them for their commitment and dedication to serving humanity.
