Liberia: Mystery illness kills 12, spreads to Monrovia

Event

Health officials announced that 12 people have been killed in Liberia by a mysterious illness as of May 2. The illness, which was first reported in Sinoe county (southeastern Liberia), has reportedly spread to Monrovia. The World Health Organization (WHO) claims that a total of 25 confirmed cases have been documented and that most are related to the funeral of a religious leader in Sinoe county, with the first cases reported on April 23.

Reported symptoms of the illness are fever, vomiting, headaches, and diarrhea, which officials have confirmed are not being caused by Ebola or Lassa fever, despite similarities. It is possible the illness is related to contaminated food or drink in Sinoe county. Tests are currently being conducted at the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in Atlanta after previous tests were inconclusive.

Context

Despite officials' claims that the illness is not related to Ebola, it has raised concerns given the county's experience with the deadly disease in previous years. West Africa experienced an Ebola epidemic beginning in December 2013, with Liberia being the country hit hardest: an estimated 29,000 were infected, a third of whom died from the disease.

Advice

Individuals in Liberia are advised to drink only bottled or purified water, to avoid bathing in bodies of fresh water (lakes, ponds, etc.), to eat only thoroughly cooked and cleaned foods, and to seek medical attention if presenting the above symptoms. Adhere to all instructions issued by authorities.