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Ebola Virus (Suspected) in Liberia (ex Guinea)

27 March 2014

The Ministry of Health and Social Welfare reported at least 5 people have died (4 female adults and 1 male child) in Voinjama, Lofa County in northern Liberia from the Ebola virus. The disease was reportedly spreading along the Guinean border with Liberia, specifically in the communities and towns close to the Guinean towns of Guekedou, Nzerekore, Kissidougou and Macenta.

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.