Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa (Update)

The outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) is ongoing in the three West African countries of Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone with 50 new cases, including 25 deaths, reported between 3-6 July 2014. Sierra Leone reported the highest number of new cases (34) and deaths (14), followed by Liberia with 16 new cases and 9 deaths. Guinea reported no new cases during that time but 2 deaths.

As of 6 July 2014, the total number of cases of EVD in the three countries now stands at 844, including 518 deaths:

• Guinea - 408 cases (294 confirmed, 96 probable, and 18 suspected) and 307 deaths (195 confirmed, 96 probable, and 16 suspected).
• Liberia - 131 cases (63 confirmed, 30 probable, and 38 suspected) and 84 deaths (41 confirmed, 28 probable, and 15 suspected).
• Sierra Leone - 305 cases (269 confirmed, 34 probable, and 2 suspected) and 127 deaths (114 confirmed, 11 probable, and 2 suspected).

(Via WHO Global Alert and Response - accessed 09/07/14)

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.