By Socrates Smythe Saywon | Smart News Liberia
MONROVIA – Health authorities in Liberia have arrested a woman identified as Paola N. Bedell for allegedly spreading false information on social media claiming that the country had recorded an Ebola outbreak, as prominent Liberian public health expert Dr. Dougbeh Christopher Nyan and national health authorities moved swiftly to calm public fears and dismiss the viral rumors.
Bedell was apprehended on Saturday, May 23, 2026, and turned over to the Liberia National Police for investigation following what officials described as dangerous misinformation capable of causing unnecessary panic among citizens still traumatized by Liberia’s painful experience during the 2014 Ebola epidemic.
As rumors rapidly circulated across social media platforms suggesting that an Ebola outbreak had emerged at the John F. Kennedy Medical Center, Dr. Nyan quickly launched a live Facebook broadcast to reassure the public that there was no Ebola outbreak anywhere in Liberia.
The respected biomedical scientist and infectious disease expert disclosed during the live broadcast that he had received numerous calls and messages from concerned Liberians seeking clarification after the rumors gained traction online.
“So far as I am concerned, there is no Ebola outbreak in Liberia,” Dr. Nyan declared firmly, while urging citizens not to rely on unverified information circulating on social media and viral blogs.
He emphasized that Liberia’s public health authorities have remained vigilant in monitoring developments involving Ebola outbreaks previously reported in countries such as Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo, adding that health surveillance systems remain active throughout the country.
Dr. Nyan further encouraged Liberians to continue observing preventive health measures established during previous disease outbreaks, including regular handwashing, sanitizing hands frequently, avoiding unnecessary overcrowding, and promptly reporting suspicious illnesses to nearby health facilities.
The former public health leader warned that misinformation during sensitive health situations could create fear and confusion within communities, undermining confidence in the country’s healthcare system and emergency response structures.
Amid the growing concern, the Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Institute of Liberia and the John F. Kennedy Medical Center issued a joint statement categorically denying reports suggesting the presence of Ebola Virus Disease in Liberia.
The joint statement stressed that Liberia currently has no suspected, probable, or confirmed Ebola case and urged the public to remain calm while avoiding misleading reports designed to attract social media attention and create unnecessary panic.
Health authorities reminded citizens that the Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute of Liberia remain the only official institutions authorized to communicate information relating to disease outbreaks and public health emergencies in the country.
According to the statement, Liberia continues to maintain strong disease surveillance and preparedness measures at health facilities and border entry points, while also conducting nationwide public awareness campaigns and coordinating with international health partners.
Authorities named the World Health Organization, Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention among international partners supporting Liberia’s preparedness and response efforts against infectious diseases.
Dr. Nyan also reassured the public that Liberia’s health institutions remain committed to transparency and accountability, promising that citizens would always be informed appropriately should any genuine health emergency arise in the future.
The latest incident has once again highlighted the growing danger posed by misinformation on social media, with many Liberians now calling for stronger action against individuals who deliberately spread false public health information capable of creating fear, destabilizing communities, and undermining confidence in national institutions.
