“No Ebola in Liberia”-NPHIL  -Assures as Nationwide Surveillance and Preparedness Intensify

MONROVIA – As concerns grow over a renewed Ebola outbreak in parts of East and Central Africa, Liberia’s public health authorities have moved to reassure the public that the country remains Ebola-free while simultaneously strengthening surveillance and emergency response systems nationwide. Speaking at the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, NPHIL Interim Director General Dr. Sia Wata Camanor outlined the government’s preparedness measures and provided updates on other major public health concerns, including Mpox, Lassa fever, and measles. THE ANALYST reports,

By George C. Flomo

The National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) has assured Liberians that there are currently no confirmed, suspected, probable, or contact cases of Ebola in the country, while emphasizing that authorities remain on heightened alert due to a regional outbreak of the disease in parts of East and Central Africa.

Speaking Tuesday during the Ministry of Information’s regular press briefing, NPHIL Interim Director General Dr. Sia Wata Camanor said Liberia’s public health system has activated all surveillance, preparedness, and response mechanisms to prevent any potential importation of the deadly virus.

“We do not have Ebola in Liberia,” Dr. Camanor stressed. “However, comprehensive preparedness measures are firmly in place to ensure rapid detection, immediate isolation, and an effective response to all suspected cases should the need arise.”

According to Dr. Camanor, Liberia’s heightened alert status follows the declaration by the World Health Organization (WHO) on May 17, 2026, classifying the outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.

Although the affected countries are geographically distant from Liberia, she noted that international travel and population movement place West African nations at a medium-risk level.

“As a result, Liberia remains vigilant and on high alert,” she said.

Dr. Camanor disclosed that health authorities immediately began screening travelers arriving from affected regions following the WHO declaration. Enhanced surveillance measures have since been expanded across all air, sea, and land entry points nationwide.

She revealed that digital temperature screening systems have been installed at major ports of entry, including Roberts International Airport (RIA), to identify travelers exhibiting symptoms associated with Ebola infection.

Travelers are being screened through temperature checks, health assessments, and reviews of their travel history, while individuals arriving from affected countries are monitored for 21 days—the virus’s incubation period.

“Ebola becomes infectious once symptoms appear, and fever is among the earliest and most common symptoms. That is why temperature monitoring remains one of our most important preventive tools,” she explained.

NPHIL has also deployed non-contact infrared thermometers, handwashing stations, sanitizers, disinfectant systems, and personal protective equipment at health facilities and border crossings across the country.

In a move aimed at strengthening public engagement and reporting, Dr. Camanor announced that NPHIL’s emergency call center, reachable through 4455, is now operating around the clock.

She further disclosed that public awareness materials, including flyers, banners, and radio jingles, have been developed and will be rolled out nationwide beginning next week.

“Our risk communication experts are working to ensure information reaches communities across Liberia in languages and formats they understand,” she said.

Dr. Camanor urged citizens to rely solely on official sources of information and avoid spreading misinformation, warning that false reports can undermine public health interventions during emergencies.

Mpox Situation Improving

Providing updates on other disease outbreaks, Dr. Camanor reported significant progress in Liberia’s response to Mpox.

According to her, Liberia has recorded no active Mpox cases for three consecutive weeks after the country’s last patient was discharged two weeks ago.

Since August 2024, Liberia has documented 1,676 Mpox cases, with 1,668 recoveries and eight deaths, resulting in a case fatality rate of less than one percent.

Lassa Fever Remains a Concern

Despite progress on Mpox, Dr. Camanor expressed concern over Lassa fever, which remains endemic in Liberia.

She reported that since 2022, the country has recorded 240 confirmed Lassa fever cases, including 168 recoveries and 72 deaths, representing a case fatality rate exceeding 30 percent.

Currently, two active cases are undergoing treatment—one in Nimba County and another in Grand Bassa County.

She, however, assured the public that Liberia has sufficient antiviral medication available to manage the disease.

Measles Cases Continue to Decline

Dr. Camanor also highlighted positive developments in the fight against measles.

Since the outbreak began in 2021, Liberia has recorded 20,642 measles cases, including 20,367 recoveries and 113 deaths.

She noted that active cases have now fallen to 162 nationwide, down from approximately 185 previously, indicating that ongoing interventions are producing positive results.

Clarifying Ebola Terminology

Seeking to educate the public and dispel misconceptions, Dr. Camanor explained several epidemiological terms commonly used during outbreak responses.

She clarified that a “traveler” refers to an individual arriving from an affected area and undergoing routine monitoring.

A “contact” is someone who may have been exposed to an infected person, while a “suspected case” is a contact who begins exhibiting symptoms.

A “probable case” involves a person with significant exposure and symptoms, while a “confirmed case” is an individual who tests positive through laboratory analysis.

“As we speak, Liberia has no confirmed case, no probable case, no suspected case, and no contacts. We only have travelers who are being monitored as a preventive measure,” she emphasized.

Lessons from Liberia’s Ebola Experience

Reflecting on Liberia’s devastating Ebola outbreak in 2014, Dr. Camanor became emotional as she recounted personal experiences on the frontlines.

“I personally attended the burial of four colleagues. I have treated children with Ebola. I have seen people die from Ebola. We do not want that experience repeated,” she said.

She urged Liberians to cooperate fully with health workers and public health authorities, stressing that prevention remains the country’s strongest defense.

“Health workers are not our enemies. Our common enemy is disease,” she stated.

Dr. Camanor praised President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, the Liberian Legislature, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Health, and international partners, including WHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and Africa CDC, for supporting the country’s preparedness efforts.

She also specifically acknowledged the Ministry of Health for donating an ambulance to support emergency response operations at Roberts International Airport.

Concluding her remarks, Dr. Camanor called on all Liberians to remain calm but vigilant by practicing regular handwashing, avoiding contact with sick individuals and bodily fluids, seeking prompt medical attention when ill, and reporting suspicious symptoms through official channels.

“Prevention is better than cure,” she said. “In fact, prevention is cheaper than cure, and prevention causes fewer complications than treatment. Let us work together to keep Liberia safe.”

She concluded with a message of national solidarity:

“Our national anthem reminds us that in union strong, success is sure. Together, we can prevent Ebola from reaching our shores.”