The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has confirmed that there are no cases of Mpox among inmates at the Sinoe County prison, following an investigation into reports of a pox-like disease outbreak. According to a press release from NPHIL, molecular testing results, including real-time PCR, confirmed that the affected inmates tested negative for Mpox.
Dr. Doughbeh Chris Nyan, Director General of NPHIL, stated that while Mpox has been ruled out, further genetic sequencing will be conducted at the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) to identify any other potential pathogens. 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 that could be hiding in the background, Dr. Nyan said.
Public health responders collected specimens from the affected inmates and tested them at the NRL in Charlesville, Margibi County. The inmates have since been isolated and are undergoing further clinical evaluations to determine if other skin conditions might be responsible for their symptoms. Dermatologists will provide additional medical assessments.
Dr. Nyan also disclosed that similar cases of pox-like symptoms have been reported in Senje, Bomi County. These cases are currently under investigation, with diagnostic tests being conducted at the NRL.
With Liberia actively responding to the ongoing global Mpox outbreak, NPHIL, along with the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa-CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), continues to implement public health measures to prevent any possible community transmission.
In the meantime, NPHIL urges the public to remain calm, avoid contact with suspected cases, and report any symptoms to the nearest health facility. The institute also emphasizes the importance of maintaining proper hygiene and adhering to public health guidelines.
