Sierra Leone: Liberia Expresses Concerns Over Surge of Mpox Cases in Neighboring Sierra Leone

Liberia's Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute are worried. They see a rapid rise in mpox cases in Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone has reported 2,634 confirmed mpox cases and 14 deaths since January. The outbreak has worsened recently, with about 100 new cases daily. Last week, Sierra Leone had 58% of Africa's confirmed mpox cases.

In response, the Sierra Leonean government shifted from home care to facility-based treatment. They have opened a new mpox treatment center with an initial capacity of 400 beds. Plans are in place to expand this to 950 beds.

Dr. Dougbeh Nyan leads Liberia's Public Health Institute. He stated that they are monitoring the situation closely to prevent cross-border spread. "We have been communicating with Sierra Leone’s health agency," Nyan said. He recalled the Ebola crisis and emphasized collaboration between countries.

Nyan announced increased surveillance along borders with Sierra Leone, Guinea, and Ivory Coast. This effort aims to manage any potential cases effectively. Liberia's diagnostic capacity has improved since the World Health Organization declared mpox a public health emergency in 2022.

The Liberian government has offered assistance to Sierra Leone’s health agency for diagnostics and sequencing services. Nyan plans to visit Sierra Leone soon to share information on handling cases effectively.

Mpox is an infectious disease caused by the mpox virus. It can spread from animals to humans or through human contact. Symptoms include fever, aches, flu-like signs, and distinctive bumps.

Nyan confirmed four new mpox cases in Liberia; one case is linked to Sierra Leone. This marks the first increase since zero cases were reported from December 2024 to March 2025. More than 70 people have recovered without any deaths reported.

Two current cases are in Montserrado, one in Margibi, and one in Sinoe. All were tested within Liberia, which now has recognized testing capabilities as a center of excellence by the African CDC.

Vaccinations against mpox have started in Liberia across four counties. Dr. Yuah Nemah from the health ministry noted that over ten thousand vaccine doses arrived in late 2024 but warned there aren't enough for everyone yet.

At-risk individuals like healthcare workers and border migrants will receive vaccines first. Vaccines will also be given only to contacts of confirmed cases who are over 18 years old and not pregnant due to safety concerns.

Health authorities have trained county teams on vaccine transport and administration procedures. So far, over 2,000 people have been vaccinated across Grand Cape Mount, Nimba, Grand Bassa, and Sinoe counties.

Starting May 19, vaccination will extend to qualified individuals in Montserrado, Lofa, and Margibi counties as well. Nyan requested more vaccines as a precautionary measure from Gavi.

He stressed that managing this situation is crucial to prevent it from spiraling out of control. People should avoid contact with suspected infected individuals and seek help at nearby healthcare facilities.

This story was produced collaboratively with New Narratives and funded by the Swedish Embassy in Liberia.