Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa (Update)

02 Jun 2014

Cases and deaths from Ebola virus disease (EVD) continue to be reported in Guinea. Cases are occurring in Telimele, Boffa, Conakry and Macenta. Since 28 May 2014, 10 new cases and 7 new deaths have been reported.

As 28 May 2014, a cumulative total of 291 clinical cases of EVD, including 193 deaths have been reported.

Further cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) have been reported in five districts of Sierra Leone. As of 29 May 2014, 34 new cases (7 confirmed, 3 probable, 24 suspected) have been identified. This brings the cumulative total number of cases to 50 (14 confirmed, 3 probable, 36 suspected) including 6 deaths. The affected areas include; Kailahun, Kenema, Koinadugu, Bo and Moyamba.

As of 29 May 2014, one suspected fatal case of EVD was reported in Foya district, Liberia. The body was transported to Sierra Leone for burial and the authorities of both countries are investigating the case.

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.