Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa (Update)

A total of 82 new confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) were reported during the week to 29 March 2015. This denotes an increase of 3 new cases, compared with the previous week.

• Guinea - a 45-day state of health emergency has been declared in Forecariah, Coyah, Dubreka, Boffa, Kindia and the capital, Conakry. Measures include: restriction of movement in transmission areas, temporary closure/quarantine of private hospitals and clinics with EVD cases and limitation of close family only at burial partcipation.
• Liberia - the last confirmed case died on 27 March 2015. Investigations are ongoing to establish the source of infection. A total of 185 contacts associated with the case are being monitored twice a day.
• Sierra Leone - cases have been reported from 5 northern and western districts, including the capital Freetown, which reported 10 new confirmed cases. The neighbouring districts of Bombali (1), Kambia (5), Port Loko (6) and Western Rural (3) also reported cases.

Infections continue to be reported in healthcare workers; in the week to 29 March: Guinea (7), Sierra Leone (1). This brings the total number reported across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone to 861 with 495 deaths.

As of 01 April 2015, more than 25 178 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of EVD and more than 10 000 deaths have been reported to WHO by the Ministries of Health for Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The distribution of the cases in West Africa is listed below, case numbers include confirmed, probable and suspected:

• Guinea - 3492 cases and 2314 deaths, cases in last 21 days 197.
• Liberia - 9712 cases and 4332 deaths, cases in last 21 days 1.
• Sierra Leone - 11 974 cases and 3799 deaths, cases in last 21 days 113.

(Via WHO Ebola Situation Report 01/04/15 - accessed 02/04/15)

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.

Advice for Healthcare Professionals

• Further information and guidance Health Protection Scotland.
• Further information and guidance Public Health England.