Dear Colleagues,
Ebola virus disease (EVD) transmission rates in West Africa continue to outstrip the pace of the international response. A total of 13,703 confirmed, probable, and suspected cases of EVD have been reported since the beginning of the outbreak up to the end of 27 October. A total of 4,922 deaths have also been reported. The president of the World Bank has appealed for thousands of medical workers to volunteer and help contain the growing Ebola outbreak in West Africa. It is estimated that at least 5,000 medical and support staff are needed to end the outbreak.
All districts in Liberia and Sierra Leone have now reported at least one confirmed or probable case of EVD since the beginning of the outbreak. In Guinea, several areas are still to report an Ebola case and a number of districts have been Ebola-free for several weeks. Ebola cases and deaths continue to be under-reported.
Mali is now the sixth West African nation to report an Ebola outbreak. On 24 October a 2-year-old girl died of Ebola after travelling with her grandmother from Guinea. The child was symptomatic during the trip. Currently, 82 contacts are being monitored; 57 in Kayes and 27 in Bamako. Efforts to trace additional contacts continue. A WHO preparedness team in Mali immediately provided expertise and support to health authorities. WHO has also deployed a rapid response team to the country.
In Spain, the single Ebola patient tested negative for EVD for a second time on 21 October. Out of the total 83 individuals who were being monitored, only six remain under observation. In the United States, there have been four cases and one death. Two health-care workers have tested negative for Ebola twice and have been released from hospital. Another health-care worker is currently receiving treatment. Of 176 possible contacts, 92 are being monitored and 84 have completed 21-day follow-up. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has advocated for “voluntary, at-home isolation" for incoming travelers (from the countries in West Africa most affected by Ebola) considered to be at high risk of having Ebola. A number of States have since enacted various controversial quarantine policies. Separately, the US Army has imposed a 21-day monitoring period for all soldiers returning from the region.
In the separate Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, no new reported contacts are being followed. Eighteen days have passed since the last case tested negative twice. Once 42 days have passed, the country can be declared free of Ebola.
Please email David Rolph, our director of Global Security, david_rolph@abtassoc.com and cc Sarah Dedic, sarah_dedic@abtassoc.com with any questions you have about the status of the outbreak.
Best,
Jay
Jay L. Knott | Executive Vice President, Chief Business Officer | Abt Associates
O: 301-347-5896| F: 301-828-9739 | www.abtassociates.com
Note: this email was sent BCC: All Staff Abt, All Abt JTA