Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa (Update)

New Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases and deaths continue to be reported in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. Between 21-23 July 2014, 108 new cases, including 12 deaths, were reported: Guinea, 12 new cases,5 deaths; Liberia, 25 new cases, 2 deaths; Sierra Leone, 71 new cases, 5 deaths. The figures include laboratory-confirmed, probable, and suspect cases of EVD.

As of 23 July 2014, the total number of cases in the three countries stands at 1201, including 672 deaths. The distribution and classification of the cases are as follows:

• Guinea - 427 cases (311 confirmed, 99 probable, and 17 suspected) and 319 deaths (209 confirmed, 99 probable, and 12 suspected).
• Liberia - 249 cases (84 confirmed, 84 probable, and 81 suspected) and 129 deaths (60 confirmed, 50 probable, and 19 suspected).
• Sierra Leone - 525 cases (419 confirmed, 56 probable, and 50 suspected) and 224 deaths (188 confirmed, 33 probable, and 3 suspected).

(Via WHO AFRO - accessed 28/07/14)

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.