This article has been reviewed according to Science X's editorial process and policies. Editors have highlighted the following attributes while ensuring the content's credibility:

Drawing on nearly a decade of surveillance, the researchers document the burden of Lassa fever in the region and explain how sustainable diagnostic structures can support prevention and help reduce the risk of major viral outbreaks.

The 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa brought the need for decentralized, local laboratory capacity to global attention. In response, work began in late 2016 to set up the Laboratory for Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers (LFHV-GKD) in Guéckédou, which has been operating since 2017. In 2021, the laboratory at the regional hospital in N'Zérékoré (LFHV-HRNZE), originally set up during the Ebola outbreak, was also strengthened.

Both laboratories are part of the national VHF surveillance system. They operate under a mandate from the Guinean Ministry of Health, with support from the National Reference Laboratory (CRV-LFHVG) in Conakry, the capital. They offer free molecular diagnostics for Ebola, Marburg and Lassa viruses, as well as for yellow fever and dengue viruses.

"Our study highlights the progress made in case detection and epidemiological surveillance in Forest Guinea, underscoring the importance of strengthening our laboratories' capacity to prepare for and respond to emerging diseases," says Fara Raymond Koundouno, head of LFHV-GKD and lead author of the study.

Between 2017 and 2024, the two laboratories tested 4,683 samples from suspected VHF cases, with results available on average within one day. The teams detected Ebola, Marburg and Lassa virus infections, among others.

Source link