Ebola virus disease: epidemiological update

An update on Ebola, from Pubic Health England.

As of 03 January 2016, a total of 28,637 clinically compatible cases of Ebola viral disease (15,249 confirmed) have been reported associated with the West African outbreak, 11,315 of which have died. In terms of specific countries:

·     Liberia has reported no confirmed cases for six consecutive weeks. The most recent cluster of cases in Liberia was determined to be the result of the re-emergence of Ebola virus that had persisted in a previously infected individual. The last two reported cases in the country were discharged from hospital on 3 December 2015, following two consecutive negative EVD tests. If no further cases are reported, the country will be declared free of human-to-human transmission on 14 January 2016, and the country will then enter a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance.

·        Guinea was declared free of human-to-human transmission on 29 December 2015 after the completion of 42 days without cases since the last person confirmed to have EVD tested negative for Ebola virus RNA for the second time. Guinea has now entered a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance.

Sierra Leone was declared free of human-to-human transmission on 7 November 2015. The country remains within a 90-day period of enhanced surveillance which is scheduled to conclude on 5 February 2016.

Posted by Dr. Tim Sandle