WHO declares Sierra Leone Ebola-free

The World Health Organisation (WHO) on Saturday declared that Ebola virus transmission in Sierra Leone has ended.
WHO made the declaration after 42 days, or two Ebola virus incubation cycles, have now passed since the last person confirmed to have Ebola virus disease had a second negative blood test.
This is contained in a statement by Dr Anders Nordstrom, WHO Representative in Sierra Leone.
“Since Sierra Leone recorded the first Ebola case in May 2014, a total number of 8,704 people were infected and 3,589 have died, 221 of them healthcare workers, all of whom we remember on this day,” it stated.
The country now enters a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance which will run until Feb. 5, 2016 and WHO said it would continue to support Sierra Leone during the period.
The World health body highlighted this new phase is critical for ensuring early detection of any possible new case of Ebola virus disease.
WHO commended the Government of Sierra Leone and its people on achieving the significant milestone in the country’s fight against Ebola.
“Sierra Leone achieved this milestone through tremendous hard work and commitment while battling the most unprecedented Ebola virus disease outbreak in human history,” the statement said. (Xinhua/NAN)