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The Ministry of Health (MoH) of Guinea has notified WHO of a rapidly evolving outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the forested areas of south eastern Guinea, bordering Sierra Leone and Liberia. No similar outbreaks have previously been reported from Guinea.
As of 22 March 2014, a total of 48 suspected cases including 29 deaths have been reported. Six of seven blood samples from cases tested at Institut Pasteur in Lyon, France were positive for Ebola virus by PCR. Preliminary results from gene sequencing has shown strong homology with Zaire Ebolavirus, and additional laboratory studies are ongoing to confirm these findings.
The cases have been reported in Guekedou, Macenta, Nzerekore and Kissidougou districts. In addition, three suspect cases including two deaths in Conakry are under investigation. Four health care workers are among the victims. Reports of suspected cases in border areas of Liberia and Sierra Leone are being investigated.
The origin of the outbreak is as yet unknown although exposure to bush meat as well as contact with blood, sercretions, organs or body fluids of infected humans and animals have been implicated. Given the incubation period of the disease (up to 21 days) it is likely that more cases will be identified in the coming weeks.
(Via WHO Regional Office for Africa - accessed 24/03/14)
Advice for Travellers
The risk of travellers becoming infected or developing Ebola haemorrhagic fever is extremely low, unless there has been direct contact with blood or bodily fluids of dead or living infected persons or animals. Healthcare workers are at particular risk, although practising appropriate infection control should effectively prevent transmission of disease in this setting.
Travellers returning from tropical countries should always seek rapid medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache, diarrhoea or general malaise) within three weeks after return, and be reminded to mention to their health care provider that they have recently travelled.
Further information on Viral Haemorrhagic Fevers can be found here.
