Ebola Virus Disease in Guinea (Update)

01 Apr 2016

Further confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) have been reported by WHO in the 30 March 2016, Situation Report. A total of 5 confirmed cases have been identified and all are linked to the 3 probable cases who died in Koropara between 27 February-15 March 2016.

A total of 1033 contacts have been identified thus far, of those, 171 are considered to be high risk exposures. Ten remaining contacts have still to be traced.

An immunisation campaign began on 22 March 2016, targeting contacts of cases and contacts of contacts. One suspected case reported on 30 March is currently under observation in an Ebola treatment centre.

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.