World Health Organization Declares Liberia Ebola-Free for the Second Time

The World Health Organization had previously declared Liberia Ebola-free in May, but the deadly virus resurfaced six weeks later.

Liberia recently ravaged by Ebola, declared free of the virus by the World Health Organization on 3 September, 42 days after the last confirmed case passed their second negative test.

"WHO declares Liberia free of Ebola virus transmission in the human population," the UN health agency said in a statement.

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Ebola is caused by a virus via direct contact with body fluids or infected blood. Scientists have identified five types of Ebola or Ebola hemorrhagic fever virus.

WHO had previously declared Liberia Ebola-free in May, but the deadly virus resurfaced six weeks later.

"Liberia's ability to effectively respond to the outbreak of Ebola virus disease is due to intensified vigilance and rapid response by the government and multiple partners," WHO said.

Liberia was long the hardest hit in the west African Ebola outbreak that began in December 2013 and which infected more than 28,000 people and claimed more than 11,000 lives mainly in Liberia, Guinea, and Sierra Leone.

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Source-AFP

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