Ebola Virus Disease in West Africa (Update)

30 Jul 2015

There were 7 confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) reported in the week to 26 July 2015: 4 in Guinea and 3 in Sierra Leone. This is the lowest weekly number for more than one year.

As of 26 July 2015, more than 27 748 confirmed, probable and suspected cases of EVD and more than 11 279 deaths have been reported to WHO by the Ministries of Health for Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. The distribution of the cases in West Africa is listed below, case numbers include confirmed, probable and suspected:

• Guinea - 3786 cases and 2520 deaths, cases in last 21 days days 39.
• Sierra Leone - 13 290 cases and 3951 deaths, cases in last 21 days 20.
• Liberia - 10 666 cases and 4806 deaths before 9 May 2015. Since then, 6 cases and 2 deaths, cases in the last 21 days 3.

Guinea -  cases restricted to Conakry (3) and Coyah (1). Forecariah which had widespread transmission, has reported no cases for the first time since January 2015.

Sierra Leone - the 3 new confirmed cases were reported from Freetown (2) and Tonkolili (1).

Liberia - No new cases were reported from Liberia in the week to 26 July 2015. Of the 6 new cases, 2 have died and 4 have been discharged following treatment.

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.