Ebola Virus Disease in Liberia (Outbreak Declared Over)

11 May 2015

On 9 May 2015, WHO declared that Liberia was now free of Ebola virus transmission. On 30 March 2014, the first two cases of the Ebola outbreak were identified in Lofa in the north of the country, bordering Guinea.

The last laboratory-confirmed case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) died on 27 March and was buried on 28 March 2015. As 42 days have elapsed since then, the outbreak is considered over. All contacts of the last case (332 individuals) remained symptom free and have been released from further follow up.

Health officials have maintained a high level of vigilance for new cases. During April, Ebola laboratories in Liberia tested around 300 samples weekly; all of which tested negative.

The government of Liberia will continue to be on high alert. WHO will be present in Liberia until the end of 2015, as the outbreak response changes to vigilance for imported cases and re-establishment of essential health services.

Advice for Travellers

Travellers should be aware that the Ebola outbreak is not over in Guinea or Sierra Leone.

The risk of travellers becoming infected or developing Ebola haemorrhagic fever is extremely low, unless there has been direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of dead or living infected persons or animals. Healthcare workers are at particular risk, although practising appropriate infection control should effectively prevent transmission of disease in this setting.

Travellers returning from tropical countries should always seek rapid medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache, diarrhoea or general malaise) within three weeks after return, and be reminded to mention to their health care provider that they have recently travelled.