The Mali Ministry of Health confirmed the first case of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) in the country October 23, 2014 in Kayes following an imported case. A second outbreak was recorded in Bamako November 10, 2014 subsequent to the importation of a second.

Produced by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), under a very-high magnification, this digitally-colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicts a single filamentous Ebola virus particle that had budded from the surface of a VERO cell of the African green monkey kidney epithelial cell line.
Produced by the National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), under a very-high magnification, this digitally-colorized scanning electron micrograph (SEM) depicts a single filamentous Ebola virus particle that had budded from the surface of a VERO cell of the African green monkey kidney epithelial cell line.

In a press release dated today (computer translated), health authorities declare that the Ebola outbreak in Mali is over. 42 days (twice the 21-day incubation period) have passed since the release of the last case with no new cases being recorded across the country. In accordance with WHO recommendations on the matter, the spread of an Ebola virus disease outbreak in one country can be declared over when 42 days have passed with no new cases have been recorded.

In addition, the World Health Organization (WHO) representative in Mali said, “I take this opportunity to congratulate all of the Malian population is fully committed to overcome this terrible epidemic, local elected officials, religious leaders, women’s groups, health workers still continue the fight on the ground to protect the country, the Government of Mali and especially the Minister of health and public Hygiene which did not wait the appearance of the first case to begin the fight, and finally the head of state who has demonstrated outstanding leadership in directing the war against the Ebola virus.

“My congratulations also go to all national and international partners who had the intelligence and wisdom to work together as an exceptionally effective coordination to provide the necessary support to Mali authorities in real time. I would also like to acknowledge the support of the high level received by the Secretary General of the UN that created the mission immediately for emergency action against Ebola (UNMEER) and the WHO Director-General for his support in everyday life.”

According to the WHO, a total of 8 cases, including 6 deaths, have been reported in Mali . The most recent 7 cases were in the Malian capital Bamako, and not related to the country’s first EVD case, who died in Kayes on 24 October 2014. The last confirmed case tested negative for the second time on 6 December 2014, and was discharged from hospital on 11 December 2014.

 

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