Cote d'Ivoire: Ebola virus case reported in Abidjan, Aug. 14

Event

Health officials confirmed a single case of the Ebola virus Aug. 14 in Cote d'Ivoire, making this the first known case in the country since 1994. The case was identified in Abidjan in a patient traveling from Guinea; the patient was hospitalized in Abidjan, Aug. 12. The case has not been linked to the Ebola outbreak that occurred in Guinea earlier in 2021. Close contacts, healthcare workers, and border security are being vaccinated to prevent an outbreak. Sporadic cases will likely follow in the coming weeks as elevated disease surveillance continues. This represents the most complete data available as of Aug. 16.

Context

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 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.

West Africa documented a major Ebola outbreak (2014-2016) when 28,000 cases of the Ebola virus were confirmed; however, this is the first case identified in Cote d'Ivoire since 1994.

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.