Guinea: Additional Ebola virus cases reported in N'Zerekore and Conakry Feb. 16. /update 1

Event

Health officials confirmed an additional 10 cases of Ebola virus Feb. 16 in N'Zerekore (9 cases) and Conakry (1 case), bringing the total reported cases between Feb. 14-16 to 17. The number of deaths has risen to five. The source of the outbreak was a nurse working in a local health facility that died Jan. 28. So far, 125 contacts have been identified: 115 in N'Zerekore and 10 in Conakry. Further contact tracing and infection preventative measures are underway in several health facilities and key locations within the community. Local public health agencies and the WHO are working with Liberia and Sierra Leone to strengthen Ebola preventative measures and community surveillance in districts along the border. Sporadic cases will likely follow in the coming weeks as elevated disease surveillance continues. This represents the most complete data available as of Feb. 17.

Context

During the West Africa Ebola outbreak (2014-2016) where 28,000 cases of the Ebola virus were confirmed, Guinea was one of the three most-affected countries, reporting 3,814 cases and 544 related deaths.

Ebola virus is known to persist in the bodily fluids of individuals who have recovered from the disease, including semen, pregnancy-related fluids, and breastmilk. The virus may also lay dormant in the fluids of the eye and in the central nervous system. Sexual transmission is likely the source of this new case. Ebola is transmitted through close personal contact and exposure to excretions and bodily fluids from infected patients - particularly blood, blood products, and tissue. The consumption of primate and bat meat (bushmeat) may also play a role in the virus' transmission. The threat of Ebola infection for persons not involved in healthcare or funeral settings is low.

Advice

Observe strict health precautions, including frequent handwashing with soap and water or with hand sanitizer. Where possible, limit exposure to crowds, including markets and other areas where large numbers of people congregate. Stay away from any locations where bushmeat is collected, butchered, or sold. Avoid contact with animals and items that may have come in contact with an infected person's blood or bodily fluids.