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The Department of Health (DH) is today (July 2) closely monitoring an additional case of Ebola virus disease reported to the World Health Organization (WHO) by Liberia, and again urged the public to remain vigilant and avoid unnecessary travel to affected areas.
"According to the WHO, it was the first case confirmed since March 20 and after the end of the Ebola outbreak in Liberia was declared on May 9," a spokesman for the DH said.
The male patient, aged 17, had onset on June 21 and attended a healthcare facility. He was later discharged. He died on June 28 and was buried the same day. The case was laboratory confirmed on June 29. He reported no recent travel history, contact with visitors from affected areas nor funeral attendance. So far, 102 contacts have been traced. The source of infection remains unknown at this stage and investigations are ongoing.
To date, 27 514 Ebola cases, including 11 220 deaths, have been reported in Guinea (3 729 cases), Liberia (10 666 cases) and Sierra Leone (13 119 cases).
"We again urge the public to avoid unnecessary travel to Guinea and Sierra Leone. The Government's preventive and control measures, surveillance, port health measures, infection control, risk communication, contingency plan as well as publicity and public education on Ebola are ongoing. We will update the local response if necessary," the spokesman said.
The DH will continue to closely monitor the latest developments of overseas Ebola situation and communicate with the WHO and health authorities to exchange information and update preventive and control measures.
Ends/Thursday, July 2, 2015
Issued at HKT 11:52
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