Mpox Cases Reported in All Liberian Provinces
Monrovia, Liberia – Mpox has spread throughout Liberia, with suspected cases reported in all 15 of teh country’s provinces, according to Catherine T. Cooper, Liberia’s Chief Health Officer. The outbreak is raising public health concerns as officials work to contain the virus’s reach.
As of a recent statement by Cooper, Liberia has recorded 2,447 suspected cases of mpox, with 1,308 confirmed through laboratory testing. Fortunately, no fatalities have been reported to date. The spread underscores the ongoing global health challenge posed by mpox, formerly known as monkeypox.
Mpox is a viral infection transmitted to humans from animals, including rodents like mice adn squirrels, or through close contact with infected individuals. Infection can occur through contact with body rashes, contaminated materials such as clothing and bedding, or direct contact with body fluids.
Symptoms typically appear 5 to 21 days after exposure and include high fever, headache, back and muscle pain, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, chills, and a characteristic rash resembling chickenpox. While most cases are mild and resolve within a few weeks, antiviral drugs are used for treatment as there is no specific cure.
Health officials note the existence of two genetic types of the virus, ‘Clade I and Clade II,’ with ‘Clade I’ possibly causing more severe illness and a higher risk of death.
Further information on the global mpox situation can be found in recent reports: WHO report: Nearly 30 M-pox cases in Türkiye in a month and In 9 questions: What you need to know about M flower.
