Guinea labs boost testing for deadly viral hemorrhagic fevers
Researchers in Guinea report that a laboratory partnership improves diagnostic capabilities for viral hemorrhagic fevers after a decade of surveillance.
The Laboratory for Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers began operations in Guéckédou in 2017 following the 2014 Ebola epidemic in West Africa. A second facility strengthened in 2021 now operates alongside the first to support national health surveillance efforts.
Both sites provide free molecular testing for Ebola, Marburg and Lassa viruses, yellow fever and dengue viruses to suspected cases in the region. Teams processed 4,683 samples between 2017 and 2024, delivering results within one day on average.
The program recently identified the return of Ebola infections and the appearance of Marburg virus disease in 2021. These rapid detections allowed authorities to confirm cases quickly and initiate countermeasures to stop further spread.
Data collected between 2020 and 2024 confirmed thirty cases of Lassa fever in Forest Guinea for the first time. This systematic evidence shows the virus is widespread, correcting previous underdiagnosis and underreporting in the area.