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NPHIL Rules Out Mpox Among Sinoe Prison Inmates

MONROVIA, Liberia – Health officials have confirmed that inmates at a prison in Sinoe County, who recently developed a pox-like illness, do not have Mpox, following laboratory tests that ruled out the virus.

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) announced over the weekend that molecular testing, including real-time PCR, confirmed that affected inmates tested negative for Mpox, easing fears of an outbreak within the correctional facility.

“The inmates we tested do not have Mpox based on our evaluation,” Dr. Dougbhe Chris Nyan, NPHIL’s Director General, said in a statement. “We will also perform gene sequencing to look for any related pathogens or infectious agents that could be hiding in the background.”

The statement comes after reports surfaced of an unknown pox-like illness affecting several inmates, raising public concern. Those infected have since been isolated and referred for further clinical evaluation, and dermatologists are expected to conduct additional assessments to determine the cause of their symptoms.

New Reports of Similar Cases in Bomi County

The health institute also disclosed that it is investigating reports of similar cases among inmates at a prison in Senje District, Bomi County. Specimens from those cases have been collected and sent to the National Reference Laboratory for further testing.

Liberia, like many African nations, remains on alert for Mpox, following a global outbreak declared by the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) in 2022.While the country has recorded some number of Mpox cases in the past, no widespread outbreak has been reported recently.

Authorities Urge Caution, Not Panic

Despite ruling out Mpox in Sinoe, public health officials are urging caution. The NPHIL has advised Citizens to remain vigilant, follow hygiene measures, and report any suspected symptoms to the nearest health facility.

“The public should remain calm and contact the NPHIL for accurate data and information while investigations continue,” Dr. Nyan said.

Authorities are also recommending that people avoid contact with suspected cases and adhere to public health measures to prevent any potential disease spread.

The NPHIL, in coordination with global health agencies, has assured the public that it is monitoring the situation closely and will provide further updates as additional test results become available.

Correctional Facilities and Health Risks

Liberian prisons, often struggle with overcrowding and limited access to healthcare, making them vulneable to infectious disease outbreaks. Public health experts and correctional officials have long called for better sanitation, improved healthcare services, and routine screenings to prevent the spread of illnesses among inmates but the situation remains the same.

While the latest test results have ruled out Mpox, the origin of the inmates’ symptoms remains unknown. Officials say further analysis will help determine whether another infectious agent is responsible.

+231778598286 | jfdaniels95@gmail.com | Website |  + posts

Joseph Daniels reports for OK FM Liberia as Executive Mansion Correspondent. With a vested interest in making the voices of people from different walks of life heard, he has covered investigative stories relating to education, health, the environment, corruption, and violence against women and girls, among others. He graduated from the United Methodist University with a Bachelor of Art Degree in Mass Communications in 2020. Joseph is also a fellow at New Narratives, a non-profit organization helping media deliver independent, truthful information to its people so they can make informed decisions.

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