MONROVIA – Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director-General of the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), addressed the nation at a press conference held at NPHIL headquarters in Congo Town, Monrovia, on Tuesday, September 16, 2025. He provided a detailed briefing on the recent viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) scare and the steps taken to ensure public safety.
Dr. Nyan opened the briefing by extending greetings to Liberians at home and abroad, noting that the press conference was called to clarify circulating reports about a body brought ashore from a vessel in international waters, which had raised suspicions of VHF, including Ebola and Marburg. “As a public health entity, we immediately activated our response structures and mechanisms,” Dr. Nyan said.
He explained that samples were extracted from the body in Maryland and tested at NPHIL’s National Reference Laboratory. “The samples came out negative for viral hemorrhagic fever, generally suggesting to us that Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa were not present,” Dr. Nyan confirmed, emphasizing Liberia’s heightened vigilance due to the 2014 Ebola outbreak that severely affected the country and the region.
Dr. Nyan elaborated on additional testing protocols, noting that a second, more extensive round of tests was conducted on the initial samples as well as additional samples from Nimba County. “This extensive testing specifically screened for four major subtypes of Ebola, Lassa, and other VHFs. None were detected,” he said, reinforcing the conclusion that there was no viral hemorrhagic fever threat.
He stressed the importance of calm and cooperation from the public, particularly amid the anxiety caused by circulating rumors. “We received numerous calls and text messages from concerned citizens. I want to thank the public for cooperating and listening to our guidance, which has prevented panic and miscommunication,” Dr. Nyan noted.
Dr. Nyan also updated the public on ongoing health challenges, including concurrent outbreaks of MPOX, Lassa, and measles. He advised citizens to practice consistent hygiene, such as handwashing and sanitizing, and to report suspected cases to local clinics or directly to NPHIL. “We have been receiving self-reports from citizens, which has helped us track and contain these diseases,” he added.
Regarding verified MPOX cases, Dr. Nyan reported that 1,747 cases were suspected, with 1,674 specimens tested. Out of those, 808 tested positive, with 635 recoveries and 173 active cases. “Importantly, there have been zero deaths from verified cases, according to our data,” he said.
Dr. Nyan highlighted NPHIL’s collaboration with international partners, including WHO, US CDC, Africa CDC, NIH, UNICEF, and Red Cross. “We work together under the One Health platform with the Ministry of Health, Ministry of Agriculture, and EPA to ensure timely disease detection, response, and transparency,” he explained.
He reassured the public that any new test results or findings from international laboratories would be promptly communicated. “We remain transparent and accountable, as is expected by the President and the citizens of Liberia,” Dr. Nyan said.
Concluding the briefing, Dr. Nyan emphasized that Liberia remains free from Ebola, Marburg, and Lassa. He urged all Liberians to continue following public health measures, remain vigilant, and report any unusual health events to authorities. “Our goal is to protect every citizen while maintaining trust between NPHIL, the media, and the public,” he stated.
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