Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa (Update)

20 Aug 2014

New Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases and deaths continue to be reported in Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria and Sierra Leone. Between 14-16 August 2014, 113 new cases (laboratory-confirmed, probable, and suspect cases) and 84 deaths were reported.

As of 16 August 2014, the cumulative number of cases attributed to EVD in the four countries stands at 2240, including 1229 deaths. The distribution and classification of the cases are listed below:

• Guinea - 543 cases and 394 deaths.
• Liberia - 834 cases and 466 deaths.
• Nigeria - 15 cases and 4 deaths.
• Sierra Leone - 848 cases and 365 deaths.

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.