Neighboring two of the hardest-hit countries, Cote d’Ivoire at high risk for Ebola

Ebola Outbreak

Cote d’Ivoire is at the highest risk of an Ebola spillover, according to the World Health Organization, because it borders two of the hardest hit countries — Liberia and Guinea. Many question whether Cote d’Ivoire can continue to fend off the outbreak.

In Cote D’Ivoire, school play now has a different theme. Children are acting out how to prevent the spread of Ebola.

A few kilometers to the west, in Liberia, Ebola has been killing people for months. The border has officially been closed since August, but the rainforest between the two countries is porous.

For this vulnerable community, life must go on.

“It was difficult at first but now we’re used to it. It’s not difficult anymore. We don’t greet each other the same we just say hello that’s all,” said Patricia Soho, resident of Toulepleu.

People here have had to change how they live. Even small changes are daily reminders of the constant threat just a few kilometers from here.

Health workers say raising awareness is vital, as is a concerted effort by the government, until the outbreak is brought under control.

CCTV America’s Clementine Logan sent this report from the western border.