Sierra Leone declared Ebola-free for the 2nd time

There is good news from Sierra Leone after the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the West African country Ebola-free for the second time. This is following a flare-up of the virus in the country. 

The WHO said this was because two incubation cycles of the virus, 42 days, have passed since the last confirmed case of the Ebola virus disease in the country tested negative for a second time.

The health body commended the government, people and its partners for their quick and efficient reaction to the latest outbreak. It, however, stressed that the country remained at risk for more flare-up because of the ability of the virus to persist in the body of survivors. Same warning was also issued about Liberia and Guinea and enjoined the three nations to remain on high alert for any possible flare-ups. 

WHO said it remained committed to working closely with the government of Sierra Leone and partners to build a more resilient health system. This, it said, was to prevent, detect and respond swiftly to future outbreaks.