MONROVIA

Liberian churches have declared a 3-day, nationwide fast and prayer against the deadly Ebola virus plaguing the country.

"We are encouraging Liberians to stay home, fast and pray for the nation because we have to also adhere to the government's measure to prevent the virus from spreading," Rev. Dr. Kortu K. Brown, First Vice President of the umbrella Liberia Council of Churches, said late Tuesday.

He made the announcement following a special meeting of the heads of Liberian churches to consider possible action against the deadly virus that has killed scores of Liberian since June.

The meeting was attending by the country's top pastors, bishops, apostles and evangelists.

The 3-day stay-home prayer and fast begins on Wednesday.

Rev. Brown said they are asking Liberians to stay indoors in respect of the preventive measures announced by the government which has urged the public to avoid mass gathering.

He reaffirmed the council's willingness to work with the central government and other stakeholders to fight Ebola.

Many of the church leaders at the meeting linked the virus outbreak to the sins of the Liberians and leaders.

The Liberia Council of Churches was formed in 1982 to promote fellowship among Liberian Christian organizations, facilitate discussion and advocacy on religious and national issues and mobilize resources to support development initiatives.

It has a strong voice in engaging governments on critical national issues taking the lead for helping to find ways to national problems.

In late July President Johnson Sirleaf ordered the immediate closure of all schools throughout the country among other measures to contain the Ebola outbreak.

He also ordered that all non-essential staff of government ministries and agencies be placed on a 30-day compulsory leave.

The Liberian leader called for the closure of all markets around the Liberia border with Sierra Leon and Guineas until further notice.

Ebola, a contagious disease for which there is no known treatment or cure, has been responsible for the death of hundreds in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

According to WHO figures, Liberia registered 117 confirmed Ebola deaths, 97 probable deaths and 41 suspected deaths until August 1.

The tropical fever, which first appeared in 1976 in Sudan and the Democratic Republic of Congo, can be transmitted to humans from wild animals and also spreads through contact with the body fluids of an infected person or someone who has died of the disease.

Medical doctors say common symptoms of Ebola include high fever and headaches, followed by bleeding from openings in the body.

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