World Health Organization Declares Sierra Leone Free of Ebola Virus Transmission

On November 7, 2015, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared Sierra Leone free of Ebola virus transmission. This date marked 42 days (two 21-day incubation periods) from the release of the last known patient with Ebola from a Sierra Leone Ebola treatment unit (ETU).

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) celebrates the extraordinary efforts of those in Sierra Leone whose hard work, commitment and dedication to stopping Ebola transmission has brought the country this far. CDC’s work in Sierra Leone will continue even after the Ebola outbreak is considered over.

With the support of CDC and many other partners, Sierra Leone has a stronger disease surveillance and response system in place for suspected Ebola cases, and the country remains vigilant in its efforts to stay at zero cases. CDC and U.S. government partners will continue to support Sierra Leone in assisting survivors and rebuilding the country’s public health infrastructure.

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U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES