Update on Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) In West Africa

In the early part of April this year, it was reported that Guinea and Liberia had recorded 101 and 10 deaths respectively as a result of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD). The disease was suspected in Mali but not confirmed. In all, 111 deaths were confirmed in Guinea and Liberia.

At about the end of April, the World Health Organization (WHO) produced a report which summarized the update on Ebola Virus Disease in part of West Africa. The report covered Guinea, Liberia, Sierra Leone and Mali.

Guinea –There were 235 clinical cases with 157 deaths. No new cases have been reported in the month of May. The analysis of data during the last three weeks of April showed that the number of new cases was decreasing in some parts of Guinea. Prevention activities included mainly sensitization and mobilization. Awareness messages were through radio and posters; screening of films on EVD, and other forms of enlightenment programs. It should be noted that the current Ebola outbreak in Guinea began in February and first confirmed in March of this year.

Liberia – The Liberia Ministry of Health  reported that there were no new cases.

Sierra Leone – As of May 7, no new cases have been confirmed. This was according to the country’s Ministry of Health and Sanitation. Preparedness and response training has been provided to health-care workers. Protective equipment has been positioned in various hospitals. Surveillance activities are high and prompt.

WHO is supporting Guinea and Liberia through the deployment of experts in the areas of “coordination, medical anthropology, clinical case management, data management and health informatics, surveillance and epidemiology, infection prevention and control, laboratory services….”

WHO says it does not see the need to place travel and trade restrictions on Guinea and Liberia. This means that the two countries are relatively safe.

Mali - The Ministry of Health (MOH) of Mali reports a cumulative total of 6 suspected cases that were under medical observation. The results of testing on these patients were expected. 

In Ghana, eight cases of suspected Ebola Virus that were reported from January to May were found to be negative.

In Nigeria, no case of the Ebola Virus has been reported.

It is observed from above that no case of fresh attack was reported in the month of May as at the time of writing this post. This is to say that the Ebola Virus attack in the West Africa sub-region got to its peak in the month of April and reduced in the month of May. And if the positive trend continues the number of fresh clinical cases may come down to almost zero in the month of June.

In order for the positive trend to continue the World Health Organization should continue to assist the West Africa Countries, the ECOWAS governments should continue to work concertedly in areas of surveillance, infection prevention and control, enlightenment program, supply of protective equipment, and the training of health workers.