News

With Saturday’s news that like Liberia, Sierra Leone is now officially clear of Ebola virus transmission after a 42-day period with no new cases, and new infections dwindling to single figures in Guinea, there is every hope that the epidemic is finally drawing to an end.

The World Health Organisation has advised that recovered patients will nevertheless need to be carefully monitored as some still seem to be carrying the deadly virus and many will have ongoing health issues.

Survivors also have to contend with rejection and stigmatisation from their peers, while all three main Ebola-affected countries (Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia) will have to overcome the economic consequences of the disease.

Sarah Penwarden (sarah.penwarden@budd-pni.com)

Budd Marseille