New Case of Ebola Virus Confirmed in Liberia, Sierra Leone on High Alert
A new case of the Ebola virus has been confirmed in Liberia. As detailed in a report by Deutsche Welle, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Thursday, March 29, the new positive case of a 30-year old woman who died while being transferred to a hospital in the capital, Monrovia.
Reuters reported that the patient was admitted to a clinic in Paynesville prior to her transfer. Her blood specimens were then taken and lab results showed that the patient indeed carried the Ebola virus. "Investigations are ongoing to identify the source of transmission and the line-listing of contacts," the health ministry of Liberia said. But despite the new case, the Ministry of Health is boosting the citizens not to panic. Reports stated that the latest case marked the third outburst of the virus since Liberia was officially declared free of Ebola. It also took place weeks after neighboring Guinea recorded a new outbreak.
As noted in the official website of WHO, the health departments and partner agencies immediately sent a team to the community where the woman lived to investigate and identify the people whom she had contact with. Africa News reported that two of her children, aged five and two, have since tested positive for the virus.
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The source also noted that though there is no known case of the Ebola virus in Liberia's neighboring country, Sierra Leone, the nation is on high alert. They have also called to be more cautious in order to prevent any outbreak or spread of the virus in the country.
As of now, Geneva-based UN body stated that the Ebola virus is no longer a public health crisis threatening the globe. However, WHO said that it is expected that there will be more flare-ups to come mainly because of the virus persistence present in some survivors. Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone continue to be on high alert and ready to respond.
