WHO Declares Nigeria Ebola Free

Monjola Sotubo 11:15 - 20 October 2014

Nigeria has been declared Ebola-free by the World Health Organization today, October 20, after 42 days without a recurrence of the disease

The World Health Organization has officially declared Nigeria Ebola-free today, October 20.

The declaration ceremony took place at the Shehu Musa Yar'Adua centre in Abuja and the country’s status was announced by the WHO country representative in Nigeria, Dr Rui Gama Vaz on behalf of Director-General, Dr. Margaret Chan.

Dr Vaz said:

"Nigeria is now free of Ebola," "This is a spectacular success story."

Ebola was imported into Nigeria by Liberian-American, Patrick Sawyer who died of the disease in Lagos on July 25.

The country recorded 21 cases of the disease and 8 deaths but was able to successfully contain it and has not recorded any new case in 42 days hence qualifying for an official clearance certificate.