Gbarpolu Confirms 3 Mpox Cases-One On The Run 

By Henry B. Gboluma, Jr.

Bopolu City, Gbarpolu–Gbarpolu County has confirmed three cases of Mpox, health authorities have disclosed. The health authorities also reported that one of the confirmed case, a motorbike rider from Bokomu District said to be on the run, causing panic among community members.

The confirmed cases are linked to 4-year-old girl, and 23 & 24-years old men. The cases were confirmed on May 28, 2025 following scrutiny by medical practitioners. The individuals are said to be in isolation facility receiving medication. The cases are from Gbarma and Bopolu Districts. 

As of June 2, 2025, health officials have identified 51 contacts linked to these cases. “The situation is urgent because the man on the run could unknowingly spread the disease further, raising concern among health experts”, said a health practitioner.

The health update was provided by the County Health Officer, Dr. Kessellebah Goyah during during the first Incident Management System Meeting held in Bopolu City on May 30. The meeting was convened to discuss ways to stop the spread of Mpox, which has been spreading across Liberia and now threatens Gbarpolu.

At the second Incident Management Team meeting held on June 2, 2025, Bennie Clarke, Director of Community Health, explained the lack of support for border surveillance, which according to her, is crucial to prevent the disease from spreading in other counties.

Despite these challenges, Bennie said that the County Health Team (CHT) is working with the national government to obtain essential supplies, such as handwashing buckets and Mpox vaccines.

He said that these vaccines will be used for people suspected of being infected, contacts of confirmed cases, and health workers who are on the front lines of fighting the disease.

Worbor Narmah, Coordinator at the Emergency Operations Center (EOC) disclosed that samples from suspected cases have been sent to the National Reference Laboratory (NRL) for testing.

Meanwhile, health authorities are calling on community members and stakeholders to participate in awareness campaigns. These campaigns aim to teach people how to prevent Mpox through good hygiene and early reporting of symptoms.

In Liberia, the Mpox situation continues to grow. By May 29, 2025, there were 75 active cases with no reported deaths. Since January 2024, Liberia has confirmed 134 cases and suspected 765 others, according to the National Public Health Institute of Liberia.

Despite the rising numbers, health officials advise the public not to panic but to remain vigilant and follow health guidelines. In a press Release, NPHIL Director General, Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan said the government has launched vaccination campaigns in four counties, including Nimba, Grand Cape Mount, Grand Bassa and Sinoe

In a recent press conference, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) urged international donors to increase the supply of Mpox vaccines as cases continue to rise across West Africa.  Ngashi Ngongo, head of the agency’s Incident Management Team, stated that Africa CDC currently has only 219,000 doses, donated by the U.S. government.