MoH cautions against panic

-Confirms 1 death from Ebola

In the wake of the reported death of a 30-year-old woman who contracted the Ebola Virus, the Ministry of Health is encouraging the public not to panic. The ministry confirmed the new Ebola case and the subsequent death of the 30-year-old female victim thru a press statement distributed here Sunday.

The release said the woman was taken to the Redemption Hospital in New Kru Town, Monrovia Thursday, 31 March and dead on arrival. Her blood specimens were taken and tested positive for Ebola, and the statement said investigations are ongoing to identify the source of transmission and the line- listing of contacts.

The latest case in Liberia followed renewed Ebola infections in March in neighboring Guinea where over 800 persons have been reportedly vaccinated, including 182 others considered as “high risk”. The Ebola flare-up in Guinea has seen eight cases of the disease and seven deaths since late February. It is the first since the WHO declared the original outbreak in that country over on December 29, 2015.

The World Health Organization has already declared Ebola as no longer a public health threat of international concern because the three affected countries Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone have the full capacity to effectively manage any resurgence of the Ebola Virus, as evident in the last two flare- ups in Liberia.

The Ministry of Health here is urging the public to continue preventive measures such as washing of hands with soap and clean water, communities exercising vigilance by reporting to community leaders and Health officials any person showing signs and symptoms of Ebola and dead bodies, and immediately to dial emergency number 4455 for concerns and information.

Meanwhile, Vice President Joseph Boakai has reportedly donated several health related items to the Ministry of Health worth US$700,000.00. Among the items donated include surgical lights, hospital beds, walker, bedpans and food.

According to the ministry, making the donation Friday, 1April in Congo Town, Ambassador Boakai said the gesture from Liberians based in the United States seeks to help in the building of a resilient health care system in the country.

Vice President Boakai also disclosed there is more goodwill expected here shortly to help boost Liberia’s health system. Receiving the donation on behalf of the ministry, Health Minister Dr. Bernice Dahn, thanked the Vice President and all those associated with the gesture, promising to the use the items for the intended purpose. Press release