The Ministry of Health has clarified that there is no Ebola in Liberia following public concerns over a suspected case involving the transportation of a dead body from Maryland County to Nimba. The deceased, a Turkish national, reportedly displayed symptoms consistent with Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF), a disease category that includes both Ebola and Lassa fever. News of the death sparked widespread fears of a potential resurgence of Ebola, which devastated the nation more than a decade ago.
But, the Ministry of Health swiftly issued an urgent memo earlier this week, instructing county health officers in Maryland, River Gee, Grand Gedeh, and Nimba Counties to take immediate precautionary measures. The directive, signed by Health Minister, Dr. Louise Kpoto on Tuesday, mandated the quarantine of all individuals who had direct or indirect contact with the deceased, the intensification of surveillance, and the reactivation of emergency health protocols pending laboratory results.
On Thursday, health officials confirmed that laboratory tests returned negative for Ebola, easing fears across communities in the southeast and beyond. “We can confirm that the suspected case tested negative for Ebola. There is no Ebola virus in Liberia at this time,” the Ministry of Health announced during a briefing in Nimba County. Despite the all-clear, the scare triggered heightened caution nationwide. Residents, including students, market women, and transport operators, were observed practicing preventive measures such as frequent handwashing, the use of sanitizers, and limiting unnecessary travel.
The Ministry of Health praised the public for their swift adherence to precautionary measures and emphasized the importance of maintaining vigilance. Citizens were further urged to continue reporting any suspected cases of unusual illness to nearby health facilities for timely investigation and intervention. This latest episode rekindled memories of the 2014 Ebola outbreak, which originated in neighboring Guinea before spreading into Liberia and Sierra Leone.
That crisis claimed over 11,000 lives, with Liberia being the hardest-hit country, recording more than 4,800 deaths. The experience underscored the need for constant vigilance, robust health systems, and community cooperation. Health authorities reiterated that while the suspected case has tested negative, preparedness and awareness remain vital. Dr. Kpoto reaffirmed the government’s commitment to safeguarding public health and ensuring a rapid response system is always in place. “Our health system has learned valuable lessons from the past. We continue to strengthen surveillance, equip health workers, and engage with communities to ensure early detection and effective response to any public health threats,” she said.
The Ministry also extended condolences to the family of the deceased Turkish national and confirmed that further investigations are being conducted to determine the exact cause of death. As Liberia continues to uphold strong health security measures, the Ministry of Health called for calm, cooperation, and sustained public trust. Citizens were reminded that their role in promptly reporting suspicious illnesses and adhering to preventive measures remains crucial to protecting the nation from future outbreaks.
