“Deeply Concerning” NPHIL Confirms 4 Active Cases, Comedian Jabateh Undergoing Treatment

The disclosure comes on the heels of popular Liberian comedian Jabateh, who has presented symptoms that raise serious public health concerns about an mpox. The popular Liberian comedian and content creator, Jabateh, is currently battling the strange symptom and is currently undergoing treatment at the Montserrado County Health Center.

Though Dr. Nyan did not confirm as to whether Jabateh’s case is among the four active cases due to patient confidentiality, confirmation by the Ministry of Health that he is under treatment suggests that he is among the four cases. “We want to thank him for breaking silence. We got his information and took a sample of it to the national reference lab yesterday. And out of the many samples collected, we can confirm three new cases—totaling four in number,” announced Dr. Nyan.

World Health Organization (WHO) Country Representative Dr. Julius Monday described mpox as a serious health emergency that has engulfed the country; however, he said there is no need for panic as the country has the capacity to contain it. According to social media reports, the news, which surfaced recently, has also served as a stark reminder that mpox is present in Liberia, prompting calls for increased awareness and preventative measures. The message, widely shared on social media platforms, urged citizens to “keep Jabateh in [their] prayers” as he navigates his diagnosis. It also included a critical warning: “Be alert that mpox is currently in Liberia.”

While details about Jabateh’s condition remain limited, the announcement has sparked concern among followers and the general public. His popularity as a comedian and content creator means his diagnosis has resonated deeply, bringing renewed attention to the potential threat of mpox in Liberia. Jabateh, in a  Facebook video, explained that he encountered the strange disease during a visit to Lofa County recently. During the visit, Jabateh also explained that he came into contact with someone who he claimed has the virus. According to a situation report chart released by NPHIL, there is so far, only one active case of the virus in the country as of May 11. Since the outbreak, especially as of January 1, 2024, a total of 652 cases have been suspected, with 572 taken to the lab and tested.

Out of the 572 tests, 78 were confirmed positive, of which 77 have been treated and recovered. Monkeypox is a viral disease that can spread through close contact with an infected person or animal or with material contaminated with the virus. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash that can resemble chickenpox. Given the presence of mpox in the country, health authorities are urging individuals to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their communities. These precautions include: Practicing good hygiene: Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.

Monkeypox is a viral disease that can spread through close contact with an infected person or animal or with material contaminated with the virus. Symptoms can include fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and a distinctive rash that can resemble chickenpox. Given the presence of mpox in the country, health authorities are urging individuals to remain vigilant and take precautions to protect themselves and their communities. These precautions include: Practicing good hygiene: Washing hands frequently with soap and water or using alcohol-based hand sanitizer.