Ebola Virus Disease in Guinea (Update)

15 Apr 2014

The Ministry of Health of Guinea has reported 168 probable cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD), as of 14 April 2014. Of the 121 laboratory samples tested, 75 have been confirmed as EVD. A total of 108 deaths have been registered. Medical follow up is continuing for 396 case contacts, whilst 545 have completed follow up.

No new areas have been affected. Areas reporting cases include: Conakry, Guekedou, Macenta, Kissidougou, Dabola and Djingaraye.

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.