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 The world's worst known Ebola epidemic has raged in West Africa for
more than 18 months, infecting more than 28,000 people and killing
more than a third of them.
Sierra Leone confirmed its first case in May 2014 and has since
recorded the highest number of cases in the region, although
neighboring Liberia has suffered more fatalities.
Adama Sankoh, 35, responded well to treatment and received her
second negative test result on Sunday before her release the
following day, which was marked by a ceremony attended by President
Ernest Bai Koroma.
Medical staff celebrated and Ebola survivors held up signs of praise
to Koroma at the International Medical Corps treatment center in the
city of Makeni 140 km (87 miles) east of Freetown.
"...Today is without doubt a day for celebration and reflection on
the thousands of lives lost during this devastating crisis," said
Sean Casey, regional director for the International Medical Corps
West Africa Ebola response.
Sankoh is thought to have caught the virus from her son who was a
victim of the last known transmission chain in the country in the
northern village of Massessebeh. The entire community of more than
500 people was quarantined for three weeks as a result to contain
the infection.
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During the course of the epidemic, the outbreak has ebbed only to
flare back again. Liberia was declared Ebola-free in May but a fresh
cluster of cases appeared nearly two months later.
Scientists say sexual transmission is the most likely explanation
for the resurgence in Liberia since the virus can live on in semen
beyond the usual 21-day incubation period.
(Reporting by Umaru Fofana; Writing by Emma Farge; Editing by Mark
Heinrich)
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