NPHA and MOH Provide Updates on Suspected VHF Case
By: Ahmed Yusuf Turay
The National Public Health Agency (NPHA), through the Ministry of Health (MOH), held a media briefing on Monday, December 2, 2024, at their Emergency Operations Center (EOC) headquarters in Cockerill, Freetown, to address an ongoing investigation into a suspected case of Viral Haemorrhagic Fever (VHF).
In his opening remarks, Media Risk Communication Lead and Head of Education, Harold Thomas, emphasized the importance of keeping the public informed with accurate and timely updates. He assured that updates on the investigation would be provided weekly to counter misinformation and ensure public awareness.
Executive Director of the NPHA, Brig. Gen. Prof. Foday Sahr, expressed concern about public anxiety surrounding the suspected case, given Sierra Leone’s past experience with Ebola. He emphasized that the investigation is being conducted collaboratively with international partners, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and counterparts in Liberia.
Timeline of the Case
Prof. Sahr outlined the details of the case, involving a 29-year-old health worker from Kono district:
• November 13, 2024: The health worker began experiencing symptoms, including fatigue, fever, and body aches, and sought rest after self-treating for malaria without improvement.
• November 18, 2024: She was issued sick leave and traveled to Freetown for further medical attention.
• November 18-24, 2024: During this period, she attended a Christian Medical Outreach Mission in Liberia and later visited Sing Song Clinic in Freetown, where she was treated for malaria.
• November 28, 2024: Her condition worsened, and she was rushed to Shoman Hospital, where she passed away shortly after arrival.
Prof. Sahr confirmed that the deceased had been vaccinated for Ebola and hepatitis. However, the embalming process using formalin interfered with obtaining viable samples from her remains.
Contact Tracing and Laboratory Testing
NPHA’s Rapid Response Team (RRT) has identified 13 contacts, including four individuals who have been closely monitored. All contacts have been advised to limit their movements, and no symptoms have been reported to date. Samples from the deceased and her contacts have been sent to the infectious disease laboratory at the 34 Military Hospital, with results pending.
Assurance to the Public
Prof. Sahr reassured the public that the situation is under control. He stressed that routine surveillance and investigation are standard procedures to ensure community safety and urged citizens to remain calm. He advised following official updates from the NPHA and MOH to avoid misinformation.
The agency remains committed to working with partners such as the WHO, CDC, and Africa CDC to monitor and respond to any developments. The 21-day observation period for the identified contacts is ongoing, and there is no immediate cause for alarm.
This collaborative effort underscores Sierra Leone’s preparedness to manage potential health emergencies effectively.
