Spread of Ebola successfully stopped in Sierra Leone

The World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that transmission of the Ebola virus has been successfully halted in Sierra Leone.

A total of 42 days – the length of two Ebola virus incubation cycles – have now passed since the last person confirmed to have Ebola virus disease had a second negative blood test, indicating that the spread of the pandemic has been contained.

Following this, a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance will begin, running until February 5th 2016. This phase will help to ensure early detection of any possible new cases of Ebola virus disease.

Since Sierra Leone recorded the first Ebola case in May 2014, a total of 8,704 people were infected and 3,589 subsequently died. The estimated 4,000 survivors may experience ongoing health problems and will need continued medical care and social support.

Dr Anders Nordstrom, a WHO representative in Sierra Leone, said: "We now have a unique opportunity to support Sierra Leone to build a strong and resilient public health system ready to detect and respond to the next outbreak of disease, or any other public health threat."

The 2014 Ebola outbreak was the largest in recorded human history. WHO will maintain an enhanced staff presence in Sierra Leone to ensure the situation remains stable.