According to a WHO media release Friday concerning the outbreak of illness and deaths of unknown etiology in Sinoe County, Liberia recently, notes from  WHO Communications and media officer, Fadéla Chaib reveal since Monday, April 24, 17 people have fallen sick. Nine people have died, and eight are still ill and hospitalized. Most of them are aged below the age of 21 .

Image/geralt
Image/geralt

On April 25, WHO received a report from Liberia health authorities about a cluster of unexplained illness and deaths from Francis Grant Hospital in Greenville, Sinoe County. Sinoe Country is 4.5 hours drive South East of Monrovia.

  • Rapid response teams have been reactivated at District and County level with technical and logistical support from WHO, CDC and other partners.
  • Observed symptoms include fever, vomiting, headache, diarrhea.
  • The response team are investigating reports linking the cluster to attendance at the funeral of a religious leader.
  • Specimens were collected from seven dead bodies and have been sent to the national laboratory for testing. All came back negative for Ebola.
  • Further testing underway to find out the cause of the illness and deaths. The investigation teams will try to find if this could be in relation to the consumption of same food and drinks and if there is an environmental exposure to some chemicals or bacteria.

Medical Books at Outbreak News Today

Response measures include:

  • Precautionary isolation of the cases
  • Clinical staff wearing PPEs ( Personal Protective Equipment) at the hospital.
  • Epidemiological investigations ongoing, active case searching and contact tracing.
  • Engagement and consultations with community leaders from the affected communities
  • Social mobilization encouraging encouraging people go to the hospital when sick.
  • Samples from water sources being collected to test for chemicals and bacteria.

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