MONROVIA – The Ministry of Health, in collaboration with the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL), has announced that it is investigating a suspected case of Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) following the death of a passenger aboard a vessel that was not en route to Liberia. The passenger, whose identity has not been disclosed, reportedly showed symptoms consistent with VHF before passing away during the voyage.
In an urgent memorandum dated September 10, 2025, and addressed to County Health Officers and County Health Teams in Maryland, River Gee, Grand Gedeh, and Nimba Counties, Health Minister Dr. Louise M. Kpoto ordered immediate surveillance and preparedness measures. The guidance stressed mandatory quarantine for all individuals who had contact with the deceased until laboratory results are confirmed. County Health Teams have been instructed to monitor the quarantined individuals under the oversight of the national rapid response team.
The Ministry also directed health authorities to intensify community-based surveillance for unusual fevers, unexplained bleeding, or sudden deaths, and to report daily to both NPHIL and the Ministry of Health. Facilities were told to reinforce infection prevention and control protocols, ensure isolation areas are functional, and confirm the availability of personal protective equipment such as gloves, masks, gowns, and face shields.
Dr. Kpoto emphasized that county hospitals and designated treatment centers must be prepared to handle suspected cases, with isolation rooms functional and essential medical supplies, including intravenous fluids and disinfectants, readily available. Referral mechanisms for suspected patients are also to be put in place.
In addition to medical preparedness, the Ministry underscored the need for community engagement. County Health Teams have been told to work closely with local leaders, community health workers, and health promoters to share accurate information, counter misinformation, and encourage preventive practices such as regular handwashing, avoiding contact with sick or deceased persons, and seeking care early when symptoms develop.
The memorandum further instructed counties to activate their Incident Management Systems, hold daily coordination meetings with local partners, and maintain open communication with the Ministry’s central office.
The announcement has heightened public concern due to Liberia’s painful history with viral outbreaks, particularly the Ebola epidemic of 2014–2016, which killed over 4,800 people in the country and devastated its health system. That crisis exposed serious gaps in preparedness and response, but it also led to the establishment of NPHIL and stronger infection prevention mechanisms that health authorities are now relying on.
While officials stressed that the current case has not yet been confirmed as VHF, they described the precautionary measures as essential to prevent any possible spread. For many Liberians, however, the news is a stark reminder of how quickly such outbreaks can escalate if not swiftly contained.
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