18 March 2015 – The deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) surfaced in West Africa for the first time in 2013, affecting Guinea, Liberia, Senegal and Nigeria. It appeared in Guinea in December 2013 and spread into neighbouring Sierra Leone by April 2014. This virus is considered one of the most aggressive that has no cure to date. It can kill within one week of exposure or three to four days from when the first symptoms become apparent. The fatality rate is very high (90%) if the infected person receives no treatment. As of 12 March 2015, 8,463 confirmed cumulative cases have been reported in the districts of Sierra Leone resulting in 3,289 confirmed deaths. The situation is well on the way to being under control.
Ebola sensitisation and prevention in Sierra Leone
