Liberia Confirms New Mpox Cases and Vaccination Efforts Underway
Liberia has confirmed four new mpox cases in Sinoe, Montserrado, and Margibi counties. Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan announced that all patients are stable. Comedian T. Kelvin Nimely has also reported being infected after direct contact with a symptomatic individual. The Ministry of Health has initiated vaccination efforts for at-risk populations as part of the response strategy amidst growing cases in neighboring Sierra Leone.
Liberia has confirmed four new mpox cases across three counties, as announced by Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, the Director General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL). Locations impacted include Sinoe, which has one case, while Montserrado and Margibi counties report two and one cases, respectively. The NPHIL is managing the situation and encourages the public to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines to prevent further infection spread.
Dr. Nyan stated in a recent press conference, alongside officials from the Ministry of Health (MOH), the Africa Center for Disease Control, and the World Organization, that the patients are stable and receiving care in designated facilities. From January 1, 2024, until May 11, 2025, Liberia documented 652 suspected mpox cases, testing 572 samples. Remarkably, 78 were confirmed as mpox, with only one active case presently.
“We only have one active case. To date, all 77 others have recovered, and there have been no deaths,” Dr. Nyan reassured during the press briefing. This announcement comes amid rising concerns after popular comedian T. Kelvin Nimely, also known as Ambassador Jabateh the Kruman, revealed in a series of Facebook videos that he has been diagnosed with mpox.
Nimely, currently quarantined and treated at the Star Base facility, contracted the virus during a performance in Lofa County. He recalls an interaction with an audience member displaying signs of illness. “We both rubbed our sweat on each other while I was on stage,” he recounted, adding that the individual seemed visibly ill with significant sores.
After feeling feverish following the performance on May 10, 2025, Nimely sought treatment at multiple hospitals, yet his condition worsened. It was only after receiving numerous symptoms that he realized it was likely mpox. “The rashes extended to under my feet; this was how I got infected, and I did the video. I didn’t want other people to get affected,” he explained.
Following his videos, officials from the Ministry of Health contacted him to arrange for testing. Nimely cooperated, providing skin and blood samples for examination. He is now in quarantine receiving care. Regarding Nimely’s health, Maybel Mason, Communications Manager at Orange Liberia, confirmed that the company is monitoring the situation closely and has encouraged quarantine for those who traveled with him.
“All of the people that were with him on that trip got themselves checked as well, and fortunately, it is just him that has contracted the virus,” Mason stated.
As Liberia grapples with a potential outbreak, new cases have reportedly surged in Sierra Leone. The National Public Health Agency in Sierra Leone has recorded over 2,045 cases, with 65 new infections reported recently.
Dr. Yuah A. Nemah from the Ministry of Health revealed that Liberia has received mpox vaccines through Africa CDC, aiming to mitigate human-to-human transmission. Over 2,000 individuals have already received vaccinations, focusing on high-risk groups, including health workers involved in contact tracing and management. He indicated that vaccination campaigns and community engagement efforts are underway, particularly in Lofa, Montserrado, and Margibi Counties, with plans for further deployment soon.
As mpox continues to pose a threat, health officials remain on high alert, emphasizing vaccination and public education to stop the spread of infection in Liberia.
The recent confirmation of four new mpox cases in Liberia highlights an urgent public health challenge. Authorities are urging vigilance and adherence to health precautions as the nation works to manage the outbreak. With vaccination efforts underway and ongoing community education, health officials aim to curb the spread of the virus effectively. The situation remains dynamic, with close monitoring and support for affected individuals.
Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com
