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Just two months after Liberia was declared free of the deadly Ebola virus, three new cases have occurred. The cases are all in the same family. Officials say that Liberia is moving quickly and being vigilant to make sure it does not spread further.
This is the second time the virus resurfaced in Liberia
The World Health Organization had initially declared the country Ebola-free in May, but then four new cases occurred and caused two deaths. The country was once again declared free of the virus in September, but now, there are three new cases. Dr. Bruce Aylward, the World Health Organization’s special representative for the Ebola response and deputy director general for outbreaks and health emergencies, said that these flare-ups are expected to be less common and to end in 2016. Transmission during flare-ups have been quickly halted and have not spread as quickly, thanks in part to new tools such as experimental vaccines. The doctor said that the new cases show how important it is to maintain strong surveillance programs.
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The first new case was a 10-year-old boy
A young boy began showing symptoms last week. He attended school on Monday and Tuesday but was admitted to a hospital on Wednesday. He was then transferred to an Ebola treatment center. The boy was tested for the virus and came back positive on Thursday. His father and sibling also later tested positive. An anonymous official said that at least seven healthcare workers may have treated him without the protective equipment essential for Ebola cases, reports the New York Times. Dr. Aylward said that the boy had taken no obvious risks; he had no known contacts with a survivor or a history of travel.
“The investigation is ongoing. The country has moved extremely quickly,” the doctor said.
The virus is proving to be persistent
Dr. Aylward said that this is the seventh time the W.H.O. suspected that a resurgence was due to the persistence of the virus in survivors. Scientists have shown that the virus remains present for months in the semen of some male survivors. In rare cases, the virus can be transmitted through unprotected sex. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta is working closely with the Liberian government and international organizations. They had expected some flare-ups in the country.
“Even though it has been nearly four months since the last Ebola patient was discharged from a Liberian Ebola treatment unit, Liberia has maintained a heightened state of vigilance,” the Centers said in a statement. “Responders have proven to be effective in rapidly identifying, isolating and treating new cases. As the situation continues to evolve, C.D.C. and partners are working hard to rapidly control this case.”
