World Health Organisation declares Liberia as Ebola-free country

Liberia, after no new cases in 42 days, has been declared free from Ebola virus by the World Health Organisation (WHO).

The WHO declared the country Ebola-free after a 42-day period without a new case by commenting that the outbreak of Ebola virus disease in Liberia is over as the last confirmed death in Liberia was on 27 March, the BBC reported.

President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf stated that Liberia had "crossed the Rubicon" and would be celebrating a concerted effort to stem the disease. The President further commented that they will celebrate their communities which have taken responsibility and have participated in fighting this unknown enemy and have finally crossed the Rubicon.

Officials said that Ebola was eventually conquered in Liberia through a collective effort. Care centres and hand-washing stations were set up to try to halt the disease.

More than 4,700 deaths have been recorded in Liberia due to Ebola which is higher than in any other affected country.