By: SLENA
Ministry of Health and National Public Health Agency have confirmed that all 290 individuals linked to a suspected case of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF) in Kono District have completed the 21-day observation period without developing any symptoms.
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA) and the Ministry of Health (MOH) monitored the contacts comprising healthcare workers, family members, and community members—under established medical protocols. The absence of symptoms across all contact categories provides relief for those involved and for the wider community.
In addition, contacts from the Western Area, also under surveillance, have completed 11 days of their observation period without incident. These individuals will continue to be monitored for the full 21 days to ensure safety.
Dr. Austin Demby, Minister of Health, acknowledged the outcome while stressing the importance of vigilance and preparedness. “While we are relieved by these results, it is a reminder of the need to remain proactive in strengthening our public health surveillance and response systems,” he said.
Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, Executive Director of the NPHA, noted that the observation was part of a cautious approach to ensuring public safety. “This case serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of emerging health threats. While no intervention was required in this instance, our surveillance systems allowed us to monitor the situation effectively,” he stated.
The observation effort include identifying and categorizing contacts based on exposure risk conducting daily temperature checks and symptom monitoring,
Coordinating with district health management teams for consistent oversight
Health authorities emphasized the importance of continuing public health preparedness. “The community’s cooperation and the adherence to surveillance protocols have been key to managing this situation,” Dr. Demby added. “However, we must remain vigilant and report any unusual symptoms immediately.”
The NPHA and MOH reiterated their commitment to strengthening disease surveillance and response mechanisms across the country. Citizens are encouraged to report health concerns through the national hotline at 117 and to rely on verified information from official sources.
While this instance did not escalate into a VHF outbreak, the situation underscores the importance of maintaining readiness for potential health emergencies in Sierra Leone.