Credit @UNMILNews
# 8756
From the World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa we get an update on the ongoing Ebola outbreak in western Africa. Over the past week 47 new cases (and 14 deaths) have been reported from Guinea, Sierra Leone, and Liberia.
This outbreak, which began in early March, now ranks among the deadliest Ebola outbreaks on record, with more than 500 confirmed or suspected cases, and 337 deaths.
Ebola virus disease, West Africa (Situation as of 17 June 2014)
Guinea
Between June 14 and 16, 2014 a total of 7 new cases and 5 new deaths were reported from Gueckedou (4 cases and 5 deaths) and Boffa (3 cases and 0 deaths). This brings the cumulative number of cases and deaths reported from Guinea to 398 (254 confirmed, 88 probable and 56 suspected) and 264 deaths.
The geographical distribution of these cases and deaths is as follows: Conakry (70 cases and 33 deaths); Guéckédou (224 cases and 173 deaths); Macenta (41 cases and 28 deaths); Dabola, (4 cases and 4 deaths); Kissidougou (8 cases and 5 deaths); Dinguiraye (1 case and 1 death); Telimele (30 cases and 9 deaths); Bofa (19 cases and 10 deaths) and Kouroussa (1 case and 1 death). Twenty four (24) patients are currently in EVD Treatment Centres: Conakry (6), Guéckédou (9), Telimele (3) and Boffa (6).
The number of contacts currently being followed countrywide is 1,258 and distributed as follows: Conakry (252), Guéckédou (529), Macenta (52), Telimele (118), Dubreka (118) and Boffa (189). So far 69.4% (2,848 contacts being followed-up out of a 4,106 contacts registered since the beginning of the outbreak) have completed the mandatory 21 days observation period.
Sierra Leone
Between June 15 and 17, 2014 a total of 31 new cases and 4 new deaths were reported from Kailahun (29 cases and 4 deaths), Kono (1 case) and Western (1 case). This brings the cumulative number of cases and deaths reported from Sierra Leone to 97 (92 confirmed, 3 probable and 2 suspected) and 49 deaths.
The geographical distribution of these cases and deaths is as follows: Kailahun (92 cases and 46 deaths); Kambia (1 cases and 0 deaths); Port Loko (2 cases and 1 deaths); Kono, (1 case and 0 death) and Western (1 cases and 1 death. Thirty three (33) patients are currently in EVD Treatment Centre of Kenema.
The number of contacts currently being followed countrywide is 37 from Kailahun. Contact listing is continuing in Kailahun, Kambia and Port Loko.
Liberia
Between June 11 and 16, 2014 a total of 9 new cases and 5 new deaths were reported from Lofa (6 cases and 0 death) and Montserado (3 cases and 5 deaths). This brings the cumulative number of cases and deaths reported from Liberia to 33 (18 confirmed, 8 probable and 7 suspected) and 24 deaths.
The geographical distribution of these cases and deaths is as follows: Lofa (21 cases and 8 deaths); Montserado (8 cases and 8 deaths); Margibi (2 cases and 2 deaths) and Nimba (2 cases and 0 death). Five (5) patients are currently in EVD Treatment Centres in Lofa.
The number of contacts currently being followed countrywide is 108 and distributed as follows: Lofa (95), Montserado (13). So far 41.5% (108 contacts being followed-up out of a 260 contacts registered since the beginning of the outbreak) have completed the mandatory 21 days observation period.
WHO response
Following the confirmation of new cases and deaths in new areas in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, WHO and partners continue to provide the necessary technical expertise to the Ministries of Health to stop community and health facility transmission of the virus.
A high level WHO mission was conducted in Guinea to assess the overall response to EVD and propose strategic approach to control the outbreak. This includes among other a high level advocacy with the Governments of the three affected countries to enhance coordination and communication at all national, provincial and district levels.
WHO is also closely supporting the Ministries of Health in i) addressing community resistance that is emerging in some areas; ii) deploying additional experts in the various specialities (epidemiology, social mobilization, case management and logistics among others), and iii) enhancing cross-border collaboration.
The next cross-border meeting between the 3 countries is planned for 23 June 2014.
WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions be applied to
Guinea, Liberia, or Sierra Leone based on the current information available for this event.
