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Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa (Update)

21 Oct 2014

The outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa continues. Tranmission remains intense and widespread in Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.

As of 14 October 2014, a total of 9216 cases and 4555 deaths have been reported. The distribution of the cases is listed below, case numbers include confirmed, probable and suspected:

  • Guinea - 1519 cases and 862 deaths.
  • Liberia - 4262 cases and 2484 deaths.
  • Nigeria - 20 cases and 8 deaths, declared over 20 October 2014.
  • Sierra Leone - 3410 cases and 1200 deaths.
  • Senegal - 1 case and 0 deaths, declared over 17 October 2014.

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.