Owing to Fears of Ebola Virus Comeback, 45-Day 'Health Emergency' Declared in Guinea

The Ebola epidemic has majorly affected the West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. More than 24,000 people in nine countries have been infected by the Ebola virus, and over 10,000 people have died, since the Ebola outbreak began in Guinea in December 2013. The World Health Organization declared in January that the epidemic was finally declining after the three countries at the epicenter recorded a steady drop in cases. But renewed concern is triggered by fresh setbacks in the worst-hit nations. In a bid to stem the spread of the deadly disease, Alpha Conde, the Guinean President, on Saturday declared a 45-day health emergency in five regions in the west and southwest of the Ebola-hit nation. President Conde said, "The focus of the virus has shifted to our country’s coastal areas. That is why I am declaring a reinforced health emergency for a period of 45 days in the prefectures of Forecariah, Coyah, Dubreka, Boffa and Kindia."

Liberia on Saturday announced the death of a woman who last week became the country’s first new Ebola patient after more than a month. Health officials also said that two new suspected cases had been identified.

Sierra Leone on Friday began a new three-day nationwide lockdown sparked by fears that the virus was making a comeback in certain parts of the country.

Source-Medindia