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By KEMO CHAM
Researchers in Sierra Leone found a new strain of the Ebola virus, the government said on Thursday.
The virus was discovered in the United States. African study funded by USAID.
Ebola outbreak in the United States, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
But researchers say Bombali virus is distinct from other Ebola virus strains
"At this time it is not known if it has been transmitted to people or causes disease in people. However, the results are more likely to be infected with human cells, "the scientists said in a report."
"Further investigation is needed to understand more about the specific risks it poses," they added.
The study is part of the Ebola Host Research Project in West Africa, which brings together researchers from the University of California, California, USA and their counterparts in Sierra Leone, Guinea and Liberia to improve understanding and preparedness for future disease outbreaks in the region. 19659003] The three West African countries were hard hit by the Ebola outbreak which began in Guinea in December 2013 before spreading to Liberia and Sierra Leone. The epidemic was declared by the World Health Organization in 2016 after claiming over 11,300 lives out of nearly 30,000 registered cases.
The Predict Research is designed to monitor wildlife specimens for known pathogens in the wake of the West African outbreak. [19659003] In Sierra Leone, the 241 beats sampled specimens, five positive test of the Bomali virus.
The government said it would engage the local communities in the area to create awareness of the new strain and health safety measures.
The 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa was caused by the Zaire virus, which was discovered in Democratic Republic of Congo, formerly Zaire, in 1976. It was the most deadly known.
Zaire virus has struck DRC nine times WHO has a 10-week re-emergence that claimed 33 lives.
The Sierra Leone is one of six known Ebola virus strains. Others are Sudan, Tai Forest, Bundibugyo and Reston.
The Ebola virus disease is a highly fatal haemorrhagic fever that is spread through contact with bodily fluids from infected persons and animals that include non-human primates, antelope bats and forest. 19659003] The Sierra Leone government has urged for calm amid concerns that the discovery might cause panic
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