IPNEWS-MONROVIA: Amidst news of the resurgence of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in neighboring Guinea, health authorities in Liberia have clarified that there is “not a single case” of the virus in Liberia, stating that the Ministry of Health (MoH) along with partners are in full readiness to prevent the virus from hitting Liberian shores.
Health Minister Wilhelmina Jallah told journalists at a Ministry of Information press briefing in Monrovia on Wednesday that the MoH and its partners are, however, prepared to fully combat the virus in case it surfaces in Liberia.
Dr. Jallah pointed out that since the health authorities confirmed a single death as a result of the Ebola virus in neighboring Guinea on February 15, the nation also recorded four suspected cases a day later which were tested negative and as such there have been no new cases recorded by that country since then.
“We called a quick meeting and the NPHIL has sent a rapid response and a surveillance team to Bong, Lofa and Nimba counties to begin to observe what is happening in these counties, especially at the border of N’zerekore where we have put a lot of PPEs and also at the Yekepa border we are screening people who are coming in through that area,” she cited.
Dr. Jallah indicated that it will be beneficial to all to slow down activities at these borders in order for the relevant authority to properly screen all those coming into the country.
She added that the Government is willing to support the health team in whatever way to combat the Ebola virus if it enters the country.
According to her, the MoH has to fill in the gap with some materials, including gloves and PPEs as well as other materials to fight the virus if it does enter Liberia, citing that “there are two viruses to combat – COVID-19 and Ebola virus – which have similar symptoms,” stating that “they are going to run all test if you come down with a fever.”
“We are appealing to people to put their buckets at the entrance of their homes, businesses, and work places whether in the interior or urban area. Please do not touch anybody. We want to initiate all of the structures we had before,” she cautioned.
The MoH, she said, will call a meeting with all of the health professionals in order to find out those who were part of the nation’s previous Ebola fight so that they can be prepared in case of an ensuing fight.
She appreciated Pres. Weah, the Legislature and other line Ministries for their strong commitment to fight against the Ebola virus.
Meanwhile, the NPHIL has constituted a new Incident Management System on Ebola Virus as a preemptive strategy to assess Liberia’s preparedness, citing that they desire not to have the new IMS-Ebola virus response efforts interfere with the current COVID-19 response.
President Weah on February 14 mandated the Health Ministry and related stakeholders to increase the country’s epi-surveillance and preventative activities following an announcement by the Guinean Health Minister of a resurge of the EVD in that country. Courtesy of LINA
