Guinea: Additional Ebola cases reported in N'zerekore through April 5 /update 3

Event

Health officials have reported 23 cases of Ebola virus in N'zerekore (16 confirmed and 7 probable) through April 5. Four additional deaths have also been reported, raising the total to 12 deaths as of April 5. Elevated disease surveillance will continue in the coming weeks until the outbreak is declared over. This represents the most complete data available as of April 13.

Context

During the West Africa Ebola outbreak (2014-2016), when 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.