Normal activities have resumed at the Gompa Funeral Home in Ganta, Nimba County, following the release of more than 20 people who were placed under quarantine amid fears of a suspected Ebola case. Those held included funeral home staff, passengers from a taxi transporting the body of the deceased, and the funeral home manager, David Mulbeh.
Health officials confirmed that all quarantined individuals were cleared after laboratory results from the National Reference Laboratory in Monrovia returned negative for both Ebola and Marburg viruses.
The Ministry of Health, in coordination with the Government of Liberia, had imposed a temporary quarantine at the funeral home on Wednesday, September 10, 2025. The measure followed reports of a Turkish national suspected of Ebola who died suddenly at sea near Maryland County. His body was being transported to Monrovia when health authorities intercepted the vehicle in Ganta, raising concern over potential exposure.
According to the Nimba County Health Team, the deceased, whose identity has not been disclosed, was a crew member on a vessel. As a precaution, all persons who had direct contact with the body were placed under medical observation. Military personnel from the Gbarnga Regional Hub were deployed to ensure compliance during the quarantine.
FrontPage Africa reported that during the period of monitoring, funeral home staff, passengers, and the manager were kept under close medical supervision. Samples collected from the deceased were sent to Monrovia for testing.
On September 10, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia (NPHIL) confirmed that results showed no evidence of Ebola or Marburg.
“To date (10th September 2025 at 21:00 GMT), all specimens received and tested by the molecular PCR method at the National Reference Laboratory of NPHIL have demonstrated ‘NEGATIVE’ for Ebola and Marburg. This NEGATIVE-TEST RESULT thereby rules out any of the indicated VHF infections,” said Dr. Dougbeh Chris Nyan, Director General of NPHIL.
The institute has called on the public to remain calm and follow health guidelines, stressing the importance of relying on official sources for updates. NPHIL also reminded citizens that Liberia is currently dealing with other health concerns, including Mpox, Lassa fever, and measles.
Liberia, which endured the devastating Ebola outbreak between 2014 and 2016, has since strengthened its epidemic response systems, including the establishment of NPHIL in 2017. These reforms, along with lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, continue to guide the country’s preparedness and surveillance measures against potential outbreaks.
Source: FrontPage Africa
