Ravaging Ebola outbreak affects business in Liberia

Global Business

The World Health Organization has confirmed that more than 880 people have died in West Africa due to the deadly Ebola virus.

The disease has been ravaging the region for five months now, and in Liberia more than 200 people have died. But as Katerina Vittozzi found out, the virus is not only a health risk, but also affecting people’s livelihoods too.

Born in Shanghai, Haua Yan Yan has lived in Liberia for 21 years. She owns and runs a restaurant in the central of Liberia’s capital. But in recent months, there’s been a major problem: the Ebola virus has scared off her customers.

“Of course the business has been really bad! Many people are scared of this sickness! Many people go back to their countries! Almost every day it is quiet! it makes me worried, too worried! Sickness makes me worried and business makes me worried!

With the right protection, Haua Yan Yan is confident she won’t catch Ebola. But she’s not so sure whether her business will survive.