Vigilance needed to stop any new flares in 2016
The Ebola outbreak in Guinea has been declared at an end by the World Health Organisation (WHO). This marks an important milestone in West Africa's Ebola epidemic, which began two years ago.
It has been 42 days since the last person confirmed to have the disease tested negative for the second time.
WHO's representative in Guinea, Dr Mohamed Belhocine, said: "WHO commends the government of Guinea and its people on the significant achievement of ending its Ebola outbreak.
"We must render homage to the government and people of Guinea who, in adversity, have shown extraordinary leadership in fighting the epidemic."
A 90-day period of heightened surveillance has now begun in the country to ensure any new cases are identified before they can spread to new people.
The original chain of transmission began in Gueckedou, Guinea, late in December 2013. This drove the outbreak that spread to neighbouring Liberia and Sierra Leone, and seven other countries by air and land travel.
"This is the first time that all three countries - Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone - have stopped the original chains of transmission that were responsible for starting this devastating outbreak two years ago," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO's regional director for Africa.
As well as the original chain of transmission there were 10 small new Ebola outbreaks, or 'flares'
in March to November 2015. It is believed these were due to a re-emergence of a persistent virus in the survivors.
Dr Moeti said vigilance is needed to ensure any new flares in 2016 are rapidly stopped.
"The coming months will be absolutely critical," added Dr Bruce Aylward, special representative of the director-general for WHO's Ebola Response. "This is the period when the countries need to be sure that they are fully prepared to prevent, detect and respond to any new cases."
Image credit: NIAID
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