NPHA Assures Readiness Amid Suspected Viral Haemorrhagic Fever Case
The Executive Director of Sierra Leone’s National Public Health Agency (NPHA), Professor Foday Sahr, has affirmed the country’s preparedness for potential viral outbreaks after a suspected case of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) proved indeterminable.
At a press briefing on December 2, 2024, at the Emergency Operations Center, the NPHA and Ministry of Health discussed the case involving a 29-year-old medical practitioner from Kono who passed away after extensive treatment. Despite speculation fueled by social media, Professor Sahr clarified that such situations are routinely managed.
Samples collected for testing were rendered inconclusive due to embalming, preventing accurate results. Monitoring and surveillance efforts are ongoing for 13 contacts in Freetown, including four high-risk individuals, and 57 contacts in Kono, with most deemed low or minimal risk.
Professor Sahr emphasized the NPHA’s collaboration with regional health bodies like the Africa CDC and drew on lessons from the Ebola crisis. Risk Communication Lead Harold Thomas assured the public of timely updates and urged vigilance.
Authorities maintain there is no immediate cause for alarm and reaffirm their readiness to respond effectively to any confirmed cases.
