Geneva, 10 April 2014
1. Brief description of the emergency and impact
The Ebola disease started from Guinea, which remains the most affected country so far with currently 157 suspected cases and 101 deaths. It has now spread to Liberia, mainly through the Northern towns in Lofa County. It has affected people in Foya, Lofa County mostly and we have also received information of suspected cases in Tappita, Nimba County, North-eastern Liberia and Du Side in Firestone, Margibi County. Nationally, 21 cases have been reported, including 10 deaths. This deadly virus is a serious threat to the people of Guinea, Liberia and also potentially for Sierra Leone, for being surrounded by both countries. The Ebola disease has neither cure, nor vaccine. It can only be prevented or curtailed. Besides, the Ebola virus fatality rate is very high: 90 percent.