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Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa (Update)

16 September 2014

As of 10 September 2014, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone continue to report confirmed cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). New confirmed cases have been reported in the following areas:

  • Guinea: Conakry, Guékedou, Macenta, Siguri, Forécariah and Kérouane.
  • Liberia: Grand Cape Mount and Lofa.
  • Sierra Leone: Kenema, Port Loko, Western Area Urban, Western Area Rural, Kono, Tonkolili and Bombali.

Nigeria and Senegal have not reported any new confirmed case since 5 September 2014 and 29 August 2014 respectively.

A total of 126 new cases (confirmed, suspected or probable) and 52 deaths were reported on 10 September 2014.

Since the outbreak began, a total of 4872 cases and 2445 deaths have been reported. Of those cases, 302 are among healthcare workers with 152 deaths.

The distribution of the cases is listed below as of 10 September 2014:

  • Guinea - 899 cases and 568 deaths.
  • Liberia - 12407 cases and 1296 deaths.
  • Nigeria - 21 cases and 8 deaths.
  • Sierra Leone - 1478 cases and 536 deaths.
  • Senegal - 1 case and 0 deaths.

(Via WHO Response to the Ebola Virus Disease Outbreak - Update 12/09/14 - accessed 16/09/14)

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.