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  • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 190 suspected/confirmed cases, 120 deaths, as of April 16, 2014

    [Source: World Health Organization, full page: (LINK). Edited. Please note that the URL seems broken at the moment. Try later.]


    Ebola virus disease, West Africa (Situation as of 15 April 2014)


    As of 18:00 on 15 April, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Guinea has reported a cumulative total of 198 clinical cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), including 121 deaths.

    To date, 105 cases have been laboratory confirmed, including 56 deaths, 41 cases (32 deaths) meet the probable case definition for EVD and 52 cases (33 deaths) are classified as suspected cases.

    Twenty-three (23) health care workers have been affected with 13 deaths.

    Clinical cases of EVD have been reported from Conakry (48 cases, including 16 deaths), Guekedou (117/80), Macenta (22/16), Kissidougou (6/5), Dabola (4/4) and Djingaraye (1/1).

    From 11 April to 18:00 on 15 April, 35 new clinical cases were identified, including 10 new deaths.

    Read the Disease Outbreak News: Ebola virus disease, West Africa (Situation as of 15 April 2014)

    (?)


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    Comment


    • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 190 suspected/confirmed cases, 120 deaths, as of April 16, 2014

      [Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, full page: (LINK). Edited.]

      Ebola virus disease, West Africa (Situation as of 16 April 2014)


      Guinea

      As of 18:00 on 15 April, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Guinea has reported a cumulative total of 197 clinical cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), including 121 deaths.

      To date, 101 cases have been laboratory confirmed, including 56 deaths, 41 cases (32 deaths) meet the probable case definition for EVD and 52 cases (33 deaths) are classified as suspected cases.

      Twenty-three (23) health care workers have been affected with 13 deaths.

      Clinical cases of EVD have been reported from:
      1. Conakry (47 cases, including 16 deaths),
      2. Guekedou (117/80),
      3. Macenta (22/16),
      4. Kissidougou (6/5),
      5. Dabola (4/4) and
      6. Djingaraye (1/1).

      From 11 April to 18:00 on 15 April, 35 new clinical cases were identified, including 10 new deaths.

      Contact tracing activities continue in all affected areas including new contacts generated by a HCW who passed away 3 days ago.

      In Conakry, 60 community volunteers are assisting the MOH and response partners in following up the 217 contacts currently under medical observation.

      Seven contacts who developed symptoms have been placed in isolation as a precautionary measure.

      A total 249 contacts are being followed in Guekedou, 76 in Macenta and 16 in Kissidougou.

      A total of 36 patients are currently in isolation; 23 in Conakry, 12 in Gu?ck?dou and 1 in Macenta.

      Clinical teams from WHO, the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) and M?decins Sans Fronti?res (MSF) are supporting national medical and nursing staff at the Donka Hospital to strengthen patient triage, case management and infection prevention and control (IPC).

      Training on the safe handling of patients with EVD and the deceased was conducted jointly by the IPC and Logistics teams at the Donka hospital for staff working at the morgue, and for drivers and staff transporting patients in stretchers.

      A training of trainers activity for the directors of all 20 Centres de Sant? in Conakry is planned for 17 April. IPC training is also scheduled at two community health centres tomorrow.

      Numbers of cases and contacts remain subject to change due to consolidation of cases, contact and laboratory data, enhanced surveillance and contact tracing activities and the continuing laboratory investigations.


      Mali

      The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Mali has today reported that the clinical samples on the 6 suspected cases have tested negative for ebolavirus.

      The samples were tested at the WHO Collaborating Centre for Arbovirus and Viral Haemorrhagic Fever of the Institut Pasteur, Dakar, Senegal.

      The samples were also tested using real-time PCR at the newly established, mobile high security laboratory at the SEREFO Center for HIV and TB Training and Research, University of Bamako.

      Malian laboratory experts from the SEREFO Center, the National Institute of Public Health (INRSP), the Centre National d'Appui ? la lutte contre la Maladie (CNAM), the National Blood Transfusion Centre (CNTS) and the Faculty of Medicine and Dentistry, University of Science, Technics and Technology, Bamako (FMOS) were trained in ebolavirus diagnosis by staff of the US National Institutes of Health (NIH).

      As of 16 April, no new suspected cases have been reported in Mali.

      Continuing preparedness and response activities include raising awareness among health care workers and the broader community about EVD and reinforcing personal and community-based risk reduction strategies. The need for strict adherence with infection prevention and control measures within health care facilities remains a key intervention.

      WHO is supporting the national health authorities of Mali, Guinea and the Ivory Coast in the planning of a cross-border meeting on Ebola Virus Disease.

      Response partners supporting the MOH include WHO, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), MSF, the European Community Humanitarian Office (ECHO), Agence Fran?aise de D?veloppement (AFD), the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), the NIH and the UN Children's Rights and Emergency Relief Organization (UNICEF).


      Liberia

      As of 16 April the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) of Liberia has reported a cumulative total of 27 clinical cases of EVD, including 13 deaths attributed to EVD.

      One new suspected case reported yesterday from Nimba County has been laboratory confirmed as a case of Lassa fever.

      Two patients remain hospitalised and 33 contacts remain under medical observation.

      The MOHSW commissioned a new ebolavirus laboratory today in collaboration with Metabiota.

      The MOHSW, in collaboration with WHO and the GOARN team in Liberia, has conducted visits to the John F. Kennedy Medical Center in Monrovia and the Redemption Hospital, New Kru Town in Montserrado County, and conducted the first training in case management, triage and infection prevention and control.


      Sierra Leone

      On 15 April, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation (MOHS) provided a consolidated report of surveillance activities conducted in that country from 19 March onwards.

      A total of 12 suspected cases have been identified during that period.

      Two previously reported suspected EVD deaths occurred in individuals from one family who died in Guinea and their bodies repatriated to Sierra Leone for burial.

      All of the 15 case contacts have completed 21 days of medical follow-up and have remained well.

      The Metabiota laboratory team working at the Kenema Government Hospital Lassa Fever Isolation Unit have received and tested clinical samples from 11 of the suspected cases using 2 different real-time PCR protocols for Ebola Zaire, other viral haemorrhagic fevers and important locally endemic pathogens.

      All of the samples have tested negative for ebolavirus and the other pathogens included in the test panel.

      Follow up on rumours of EVD cases and active case finding is ongoing in Sierra Leone. Metabiota in collaboration with the MOHS have conducted training of trainers for 75 clinicians and nurses from the main referral government, private and mission hospitals in the 13 districts on EVD preparedness and response at the Kenema Lassa Fever unit. Multimedia community sensitisation activities are also continuing.

      WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea, Liberia, Mali or Sierra Leone based on the current information available for this event.


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      Comment


      • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 190 suspected/confirmed cases, 120 deaths, as of April 16, 2014

        West African Ebola outbreak caused by new strain of disease: study

        By Saliou Samb
        CONAKRY Thu Apr 17, 2014 12:30pm EDT

        (Reuters) - An Ebola outbreak blamed for 135 deaths in West Africa in the past month was not imported from Central Africa but caused by a new strain of the disease, a study in a U.S. medical journal said, raising the specter of further regional epidemics.
        ...
        Using analysis of blood samples from infected patients, however, researchers determined that while the Guinean form of the Ebola virus (EBOV) showed a 97 percent similarity to the Zaire strain, the disease was not introduced from Central Africa.

        "This study demonstrates the emergence of a new EBOV strain in Guinea," wrote the group of more than 30 doctors and scientists, who published their preliminary findings on the website of the New England Journal of Medicine.
        ...
        "It is possible that EBOV has circulated undetected in this region for some time. The emergence of the virus in Guinea highlights the risk of EBOV outbreaks in the whole West African subregion," the report continued.
        ...
        A senior health ministry official told Reuters on Thursday the government planned to stop publicly releasing the death toll to avoid causing unnecessary panic.
        ...
        "What is clear to us from the study is that the virus wasn't brought in from the outside, that it is indigenous," said Tarik Jasarevic, a spokesman for the WHO, which was not involved in authoring the study.

        "It means there were possibly outbreaks in the past that were just not detected," he said.
        ...


        See also:

        Emergence of Zaire Ebola Virus Disease in Guinea — Preliminary Report

        "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
        -Nelson Mandela

        Comment


        • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 190 suspected/confirmed cases, 120 deaths, as of April 16, 2014

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          The World Health Organization (WHO) is building a better future for people everywhere. Health lays the foundation for vibrant and productive communities, stronger economies, safer nations and a better world. The WHO aims to provide every child, woman and man with the best chance to lead a healthier, longer life.
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          Comment


          • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 202 suspected/confirmed cases, 125 deaths, as of April 17, 2014

            [Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, full page: (LINK). Edited.]

            Ebola virus disease, West Africa (Situation as of 19 April 2014)


            Guinea

            As of 18:00 on 17 April, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Guinea has reported a cumulative total of 203 clinical cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), including 129 deaths.

            To date, 158 patients have been tested for ebolavirus infection and 109 cases have been laboratory confirmed, including 61 deaths.

            In addition, 41 cases (34 deaths) meet the probable case definition for EVD and 53 cases (34 deaths) are classified as suspected cases.

            Twenty-four (24) health care workers (HCW) have been affected (18 confirmed), with 15 deaths (11 confirmed).

            Clinical cases of EVD have been reported from:
            1. Conakry (50 cases, including 20 deaths),
            2. Guekedou (120/83),
            3. Macenta (22/16),
            4. Kissidougou (6/5),
            5. Dabola (4/4) and
            6. Djingaraye (1/1).

            Laboratory confirmed cases and deaths have been reported from Conakry (36 cases, including 15 deaths), Guekedou (58/34), Macenta (13/10), Kissidougou (1/1) and Dabola (1/1).

            These updated figures include 4 new cases isolated on 17 April, one of whom is laboratory confirmed, and 4 deaths among existing cases; 3 of the deaths were patients with confirmed EVD.

            Twenty-nine (29) patients are currently in isolation in Conakry (17), Guekedou (11) and Macenta (1), while 15 patients who recovered from their illness were discharged from hospital.

            The female : male ratio among confirmed cases is 1.2 : 1. The median age of 198 clinical cases for whom the age is known is 35 years and the age breakdown is 0-19 years (11%), 20-59 years (72%) and 60 and over (11%).

            Contact tracing activities continue in all affected areas.

            A total of 230 contacts are currently under medical observation and 53 have completed their 21 days of follow-up.

            Seven contacts who developed symptoms continue in isolation as a precautionary measure.

            Efforts to increase public health awareness continue. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Guinea convened a meeting with a number of diplomatic missions on 18 April where the Minister of Health, supported by the WHO Representative, WHO Country Office for Guinea, and WHO EVD Response Coordinator, briefed the meeting. WHO and the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network are in the process of deploying additional experts to support activities in case management, infection prevention and control, contact tracing, social mobilization and psychosocial support.

            Numbers of cases and contacts remain subject to change due to consolidation of cases, contact and laboratory data, enhanced surveillance and contact tracing activities and the continuing laboratory investigations.


            Liberia

            In Liberia, the epidemiological situation remains the same.

            Intensive surveillance activities and other preventive measures are ongoing.

            No new laboratory confirmed cases of EVD have been reported from Liberia today.

            WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea or Liberia based on the current information available for this event.

            Additional information can be found at Situation Report 2 Ebola Virus Disease, West Africa, 17 April 2014.

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            Comment


            • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 203 suspected/confirmed cases, 129 deaths, as of April 17, 2014

              Translation Google

              Sat, April 19 2014, 3:18 p.m.
              Posted By Nouhou Balde

              Hemorrhagic fever, an isolated patient in Donka complains: "We do not receive family food"

              This is a fellow who lives in the United States, which announced the sad news! One of his brothers, isolated in Donka for a suspected case of Ebola, have denounced by the phone his isolated conditions, including lack of food. "We do not have enough food here. And we do not receive the food sent by our family" reportedly told the patient to his sister, bruised by the situation that she denounces in the hope of change for his parents and for all patients ...

              Furthermore, we learned that nine (9) members of the same family have tested positive for Ebola virus and were put in isolation Donka, after registering a death in the family. The patient would have remained several days in bed at home in the suburbs of Conakry, and the house would not have been disinfected after his death, we learn.

              The scarcity of official information and economic impact of the epidemic

              For more than a week, the government has changed its technical information on the evolution of this virus in Guinea, including suspected cases and deaths of Ebola. The assessment sheets of the epidemiological situation who were daily became almost weekly, and replaced by "zoom in" on "cured Ebola" and donations in cash or materials such organization, such institution, such as society, such person ... It became the best advertising spot for those who want to talk about themselves!

              At the same time, many families and physicians, including Donka and Kip? mourn their dead or are isolated after innocently coming into contact with an infected person. Readings of the Holy Qur'an, blessings, songs and slogans for "oust Ebola outside the national territory" ... become common in the city.
              ...
              Medical officers, usually quick to give you statistics, latest news and speaking with pride in the media, now passing the buck , saying nobody allowed to speak; those who answer calls apologize and hang up.

              In the absence of credible information from the government, Guineans increasing risk behaviors and foreigners are frightened by this serious situation and are packing. Partners, amongst others miners , removed their family far from our country (if they have not left with it). Hotels that are still open (and great restaurants) have slowed, the transport sector and trade fell sharply in intensity and Guinea is less frequented by foreigners. Even some compatriots living abroad postponing their visits to the country ...

              Senegal (including a medical team in Guinea since the announcement of the fever in our country) still keeps its borders and regional markets closed, the Gambia, which has no land border with Guinea-suspended its flights to Conakry, C?te d'Ivoire has increased surveillance at its borders, France has sent equipment and a medical team at the airport in Conakry, one of the largest airlines in the world, Emirates, no longer serves the Guinean capital ...

              When will this epidemic end?

              "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
              -Nelson Mandela

              Comment


              • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 203 suspected/confirmed cases, 129 deaths, as of April 17, 2014

                Confusing information coming from Guinea regarding number of deaths, plus Reuters is reporting that Guinea is stopping regular updates in order to avoid panic. Their new number is half what was previously reported.

                The West African country of Guinea has seen 109 confirmed cases of the Ebola virus, of which there have been 61 fatalities

                Comment


                • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 203 suspected/confirmed cases, 129 deaths, as of April 17, 2014

                  I think there is some confusion in the media who are not accustomed to reporting disease statistics.

                  There are 2 deaths numbers being reported. One number is the number of deaths of people who meet the clinical descriptions of ebola. This is the higher number of 129.

                  The death number of 129 includes a total of 61 laboratory confirmed cases.

                  Comment


                  • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 203 suspected/confirmed cases, 129 deaths, as of April 17, 2014

                    Originally posted by wdcare View Post
                    Confusing information coming from Guinea regarding number of deaths, plus Reuters is reporting that Guinea is stopping regular updates in order to avoid panic. Their new number is half what was previously reported.

                    http://time.com/69911/ebola-virus-cl...ves-in-guinea/
                    This is the explanation given by the embassy of France in Conakry on Friday, April 18

                    Translation Google

                    ...
                    Status on Friday, April 18, 2014

                    Biological tests can now be performed quickly, assessment takes into account only confirmed cases.

                    1 Situation on 04.18.14. 108 cases and 58 deaths confirmed by laboratory tests, as follows death: Guékédou (57 cases, 32 deaths), Macenta (13 cases, 10 deaths), Kissidougou (1 case, 1 death) Dabola (1 case, 1 death), Conakry (36 cases, 14 deaths).
                    ...


                    but WHO Africa is still posting the cumulative total of clinical cases. Post #215.
                    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                    -Nelson Mandela

                    Comment


                    • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 203 suspected/confirmed cases, 129 deaths, as of April 17, 2014

                      Translation Google

                      Ebola: Emirates suspends flights to Conakry ...

                      CONAKRY-Emirates Airline has announced the suspension of its flights to Conakry "indefinitely", learned Africaguinee.com.

                      Officially, the airline wants to avoid "compromising" the safety of its passengers and its crew, which remains his "highest priority."

                      Inaugurated in October 2013, Emirates was on line four weekly flights between Conakry and Dakar via Dubai.

                      For its part, the Guinean government has recently met with several airlines in Conakry. According to Albert Damantang Camara door - government spokesman, the meeting aims to reassure these companies on measures Conakry to prevent spread of virus ?bora.

                      In addition, thermal controls were installed Gbessia-Conakry International Airport to identify suspects before leaving Conakry.

                      "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                      -Nelson Mandela

                      Comment


                      • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 203 suspected/confirmed cases, 129 deaths, as of April 17, 2014

                        The 6th edition of "72 hours of the book" Conakry will take place at the end of the month in the Guinean capital and Kindia. Interview of its promoter, Sansy Kaba Diakit?. Despite the Ebola epidemic in their country in recent weeks, the organizers of the 6th edition of "72 hours of the book" Conakry decided to maintain their protest. This will take place from April 23 to 25 in the Guinean capital and April 26 to 27 in Kindia (130 km east of Conakry). ... Exhibitions, sales, seminars, debates, book signings or spelling contest punctuate what has become an important event in the literary West Africa, sponsored this year by Denis Pryen, founder of Editions L'Harmattan, and Lilian Thuram, a former French football player and writer....
                        How many visitors do you expect? Last year we recorded 25,000 visitors. But the social context was tense due to strikes. This year we hope to double this figure.....

                        CSI:WORLD http://swineflumagazine.blogspot.com/

                        treyfish2004@yahoo.com

                        Comment


                        • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 203 suspected/confirmed cases, 129 deaths, as of April 17, 2014

                          [Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, full page: (LINK). Edited. WARNING: URL possibly broken.]


                          Ebola virus disease, West Africa (Situation as of 22 April 2014)


                          As of 18:00 on 20 April, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Guinea has reported a cumulative total of 208 clinical cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), including 136 deaths.

                          To date, 169 patients have been tested for ebolavirus infection and 112 cases have been laboratory confirmed, including 69 deaths.

                          In addition, 41 cases (34 deaths) meet the probable case definition for EVD and 55 cases (33 deaths) are classified as suspected cases.

                          Twenty-five (25) health care workers (HCW) have been affected (18 confirmed), with 16 deaths (12 confirmed).

                          Read the Disease Outbreak News: Ebola virus disease, West Africa (Situation as of 22 April 2014)


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                          Comment


                          • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 203 suspected/confirmed cases, 129 deaths, as of April 17, 2014

                            [Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, full page: (LINK). Edited.]


                            Ebola virus disease, West Africa (Situation as of 22 April 2014)


                            As of 18:00 on 20 April, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Guinea has reported a cumulative total of 208 clinical cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), including 136 deaths.

                            To date, 169 patients have been tested for ebolavirus infection and 112 cases have been laboratory confirmed, including 69 deaths.

                            In addition, 41 cases (34 deaths) meet the probable case definition for EVD and 55 cases (33 deaths) are classified as suspected cases.

                            Twenty-five (25) health care workers (HCW) have been affected (18 confirmed), with 16 deaths (12 confirmed).

                            Clinical cases of EVD have been reported from:
                            1. Conakry (53 cases, including 23 deaths),
                            2. Guekedou (122/87),
                            3. Macenta (22/16),
                            4. Kissidougou (6/5),
                            5. Dabola (4/4) and
                            6. Djingaraye (1/1).

                            Laboratory confirmed cases and deaths have been reported from:
                            1. Conakry (37 cases, including 19 deaths),
                            2. Guekedou (60/38),
                            3. Macenta (13/10),
                            4. Kissidougou (1/1) and
                            5. Dabola (1/1).

                            These updated figures include 3 new cases isolated on 20 April from Conakry and Guekedou, 2 of whom are laboratory confirmed.

                            Five new deaths have also been reported among existing cases; all 5 of the deaths were patients with confirmed EVD.

                            Twenty-one (21) patients were in isolation in Conakry (12), Guekedou (8) and Macenta (1), while 16 patients who recovered from their illness were discharged from hospital.

                            Contact tracing activities continue in all affected areas. A total of 217 contacts are currently under medical observation and 92 have completed their 21 days of follow-up.

                            The numbers of cases and contacts remain subject to change due to consolidation of cases, contact and laboratory data, enhanced surveillance and contact tracing activities and the continuing laboratory investigations.

                            As the incubation period for EVD can be up to three weeks, it is likely that the Guinean health authorities will report new cases in the coming weeks and additional suspected cases may also be identified in neighbouring countries.


                            Liberia

                            From 13 March, the date of onset of the first laboratory confirmed case in Liberia, to 21 April, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare of Liberia has reported a total of 34 clinically compatible cases of EVD; 6 confirmed cases, including 6 deaths, 2 probable cases and 26 suspected cases.

                            The date of onset of the most recent confirmed case was 6 April and the date of admission of the last confirmed case was 10 April.

                            The confirmed and probable cases were reported from Lofa and Margibi Counties, while suspected cases have been reported from Bong, Grand Cape Mount, Montserrado and Nimba Counties as a result of enhanced surveillance and contact tracing activities.

                            The number of confirmed cases in HCWs has been adjusted down from 3 cases to two as data are reviewed against case definitions and laboratory results.

                            The total number of deaths has also been revised from 13 to 11 as one of the deaths has been counted in the EVD statistics for Guinea and one death occurred in a discarded case.

                            As laboratory tests have been conducted on 32 clinical samples overall only 6 of which have tested positive for ebolavirus to date, it is anticipated that most of the suspected cases currently reported by Liberia will be reclassified as discarded and removed from the case count in the future.

                            Following data review, the number of contacts now stands at 162 in total; Foya district, Lofa County, the epicentre of the EVD outbreak in Liberia accounts for 72% (116) of the total contacts followed by Margibi County (17%, 28 contacts).

                            Fifty-nine contacts (36% of the total) have completed 21 days follow up and have been discharged from medical observation.


                            Sierra Leone

                            As of 22 April 2014, clinical samples from 19 clinically compatible cases of EVD have been tested at the Kenema Government Hospital. All 19 samples tested negative for ebolavirus.

                            As part of enhanced surveillance activities, the Ministry of Health and Sanitation of Sierra Leone also decided to test for the presence of ebolavirus in samples from patients referred to the Lassa Fever Isolation Ward of the Kenema Hospital for the investigation of viral hemorrhagic fever-like illness who tested negative for Lassa fever virus infection.

                            The additional 24 blood samples collected from 16 March 2014 onwards were analysed and all tested negative for ebolavirus.


                            WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea or Liberia based on the current information available for this event.


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                            Comment


                            • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 208 clinical cases including 136 deaths, as of April 20, 2014

                              Emergence of Zaire Ebola Virus Disease in Guinea ? Preliminary Report



                              Excerpt:

                              "The clinical picture of the initial cases was predominantly fever, vomiting, and severe diarrhea. Hemorrhage was not documented for most of the patients with confirmed disease at the time of sampling but may have developed during the later course of the disease. The term Ebola virus disease (rather than the earlier term Ebola hemorrhagic fever) takes into account that hemorrhage is not seen in all patients and may help clinicians and public health officials in the early recognition of the disease."
                              "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                              -Nelson Mandela

                              Comment


                              • Re: Guinea - Ebola: 208 clinical cases including 136 deaths, as of April 20, 2014

                                [Source: World Health Organization, Regional Office for Africa, full page: (LINK). Edited.]


                                Ebola virus disease, West Africa (Situation as of 25 April 2014)


                                Guinea

                                As of 18:00 on 23 April, the Ministry of Health (MOH) of Guinea has reported a cumulative total of 218 clinical cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), including 141 deaths.

                                To date, 191 patients have been tested for ebolavirus infection and 115 cases have been laboratory confirmed, including 72 deaths.

                                In addition, 42 cases (34 deaths) meet the probable case definition for EVD and 61 cases (35 deaths) are classified as suspected cases.

                                Twenty-six (26) health care workers (HCW) have been affected (18 confirmed), with 16 deaths (12 confirmed).

                                Clinical cases of EVD have been reported from:
                                1. Conakry (58 cases, including 24 deaths),
                                2. Guekedou (127/91),
                                3. Macenta (22/16),
                                4. Kissidougou (6/5),
                                5. Dabola (4/4) and
                                6. Djingaraye (1/1).

                                Laboratory confirmed cases and deaths have been reported from:
                                1. Conakry (37 cases, including 19 deaths),
                                2. Guekedou (63/41),
                                3. Macenta (13/10),
                                4. Kissidougou (1/1) and
                                5. Dabola (1/1).

                                The date of onset of the most recent clinical case, a suspected case, is 23 April while the date of isolation of the most recent confirmed case is 22 April.

                                Two new deaths have also been reported among existing cases; one of the deaths was a patient with confirmed EVD.

                                Thirteen (13) patients are in isolation in Conakry (6 patients, 5 confirmed), Guekedou (7 patients, all confirmed). Contact tracing activities continue in all affected areas.

                                Overall, the epidemiological situation in Guinea has improved significantly over the last few weeks.

                                The date of onset of the last reported case from Macenta was 24 days ago and a similar time has elapsed for Dabola (25 days), Kissigougou (26) and Djingaraye (31 days).

                                Two incubation periods (42 days) without cases is the standard for declaring an EVD outbreak over in a particular location.

                                The focus of response activities at present includes clinical case management and ongoing training in hospital-based infection prevention and control (IPC). A documentary will be made on the M?decins Sans Fronti?res (MSF) isolation facility in Guekedou. WHO, in collaboration with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN), has mobilized a new medical team comprising of IPC and intensive care physicians in support of the clinicians at the Donka Hospital in Conakry.

                                The numbers of cases and contacts remain subject to change due to consolidation of case, contact and laboratory data, enhanced surveillance activities and contact tracing activities.

                                The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Atlanta, United States, has arrived in Guinea to further strengthen diagnostic capacity for EVD by retesting patients who were polymerase chain reaction (PCR) negative by ebolavirus serology.

                                The cross-border meeting on EVD response between the governments of Guinea and Liberia was successfully hosted by the Guinean government, attended by 25 participants from delegations from both countries. The overall objective of the meeting was to strengthen epidemiological surveillance and the follow up of contacts along the borders of the two countries in order to stop transmission of EVD.

                                Key actions for implementation include: development of an action plan on the cross-border response to EVD; strengthening coordination of cross-border activities with engagement of local authorities; sharing information on the cross-border movement of suspected cases of EVD; reinforcing community awareness of EVD and ways to reduce personal and community risk of disease; and reinforcing active surveillance and contact tracing along the border as needed.

                                As the incubation period for EVD can be up to three weeks, it is likely that the Guinean health authorities will report new cases in the coming weeks and additional suspected cases may also be identified in neighbouring countries.


                                Liberia

                                From 13 March, the date of onset of the first laboratory confirmed case in Liberia, to 24 April, the Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MOHSW) of Liberia has reported a total of 35 clinically compatible cases of EVD; 6 confirmed cases, 2 probable cases and 27 suspected cases.

                                The date of onset of the most recent confirmed case was 6 April.

                                The MOHSW has started to reclassify suspected cases against their laboratory test results. Most of the suspected cases are expected to be discarded at the end of this process.

                                WHO, in collaboration with GOARN, is planning to replace experts who recently completed their missions in Liberia in the areas of case management, IPC and epidemiology.


                                Sierra Leone

                                The Ministry of Health and Sanitation of Sierra Leone is currently investigating 3 patients with an illness compatible with a viral haemorrhagic fever (VHF) for EVD and Lassa fever (the latter is endemic in Sierra Leone). All rumours of EVD cases are being investigated and active case finding is also ongoing.

                                The laboratory at the Lassa Fever isolation facility at the Kenema Government Hospital is now analysing all suspected cases of VHF for both Lassa fever and EVD.

                                As of 24 April 2014, 98 samples collected have been tested; 10 samples tested positive for Lassa fever and the remaining 88 tested negative for both diseases.

                                Fifteen contacts have completed 21 days of follow up while 20 contacts remain under medical observation.

                                WHO does not recommend that any travel or trade restrictions be applied to Guinea, Liberia or Sierra Leone based on the current information available for this event.


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