Monrovia, Liberia – The Ministry of Health (MOH) has confirmed that Liberia remains free of the Ebola virus, following widespread public concern over a suspected case involving a transported dead body from Maryland County to Nimba.
The deceased, a Turkish, who initially exhibited symptoms consistent with Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF), a category that includes both Ebola and Lassa fever, had sparked fears of a possible resurgence of the deadly disease.
In response, the Ministry of Health swiftly issued an urgent memo earlier this week, directing county health officers in Maryland, River Gee, Grand Gedeh, and Nimba to take immediate precautionary measures. The directive, signed by Health Minister Dr. Louise Kpoto on Tuesday, called for the quarantine of all individuals who had contact with the deceased Turkish national, intensified surveillance, and the reactivation of emergency health protocols while awaiting laboratory confirmation.
On Thursday, the Ministry announced that the lab results came back negative for Ebola, easing uneasiness and uncertainty mainly among communities across the southeastern region and beyond.
“We can confirm that the suspected case tested negative for Ebola. There is no Ebola virus in Liberia at this time,” the Health Ministry said in Nimba county.
Despite the all-clear, the scare prompted heightened vigilance across several counties. Residents, including students and market vendors, were seen taking extra precautions ~ frequently washing hands, using hand sanitizers, and limiting unnecessary travel.
The Ministry commended the public for its swift adherence to safety protocols and urged continued alertness in reporting suspicious illnesses.
This recent alarm revived memories of the devastating Ebola outbreak in 2014, which began in neighboring Guinea before spreading into Liberia and Sierra Leone. The outbreak claimed over 11,000 lives, with Liberia being the hardest-hit nation, recording more than 4,800 deaths.
While this recent case has tested negative, health authorities emphasize that continued public awareness, preparedness, and rapid response remain essential in preventing future outbreaks.
