-Ministry of Health Assures Public Amid DRC Outbreak
MONROVIA, LIBERIA – The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Liberia has reassured the public that no confirmed case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) has been reported within the country’s borders, following news of an outbreak in the Ituri Province of the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
In an official statement released this week, the Ministry acknowledged the outbreak in DRC while emphasizing that Liberia remains on high alert. National health authorities, in collaboration with regional and international public health partners, are closely monitoring the situation to ensure the country remains protected.
A Nation Mindful of the Past
Liberia, which endured the devastating 2014–2016 West African Ebola outbreak—the deadliest in history—has not forgotten the toll the virus took on its people and health system. The Ministry noted that the nation’s painful experience reinforced critical lessons: the necessity of vigilance, early detection, rapid response, community engagement, and robust public health infrastructure.
Since the end of the outbreak, Liberia has significantly strengthened its disease surveillance systems, laboratory networks, border health measures, emergency preparedness protocols, and healthcare worker training to better respond to any future public health threats.
Understanding Ebola
The Ministry took the opportunity to remind Liberians of the nature of the disease. Ebola is a severe, often fatal illness caused by the Ebola virus. It spreads through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, contaminated objects or surfaces, or infected animals and animal products.
Crucially, an infected person can only transmit the virus after symptoms begin to appear. Symptoms may include sudden fever, weakness, severe headache, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and—in advanced cases—unexplained bleeding or bruising.
Preparedness Measures in Place
The Ministry of Health, working alongside the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) and international partners such as the World Health Organization (WHO) and Africa CDC, continues to maintain active surveillance and preparedness measures. These include:
· Monitoring at health facilities and border entry points
· Ongoing public awareness campaigns
· Coordination with regional health authorities in neighboring countries
Public Advice
The Ministry urged the public to remain calm but cautious, recommending the following preventive actions:
· Practice regular handwashing with soap and water or alcohol-based sanitizers
· Avoid direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of any sick individual
· Report any suspected illness immediately to the nearest health facility or through national hotlines
· Rely only on official information from the Ministry of Health and trusted public health partners
Ongoing Observation
The Ministry of Health reassured all Liberians and residents that the situation remains under close observation. No confirmed Ebola case is present in Liberia at this time. Updates will continue to be issued through official government channels as necessary.
