Dear Colleagues,
As of 20 August, no cases have been confirmed outside Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, or Sierra Leone.
As of 18 August the World Health Organization has reported 2,473 suspect and confirmed cases of EVD, including 1,383 laboratory-confirmed cases, and 1,350 deaths. Between 17 and 18 August, a total of 221 new cases of Ebola virus disease (laboratory-confirmed, probable, and suspect cases) as well as 106 deaths were reported. Three new suspected cases have been reported in Nigeria --all part of the initial chain of transmission in the country. The intensity of the search and monitoring effort has increased optimism that further spread of the virus in Nigeria can be stopped. Guinea has also displayed progress in efforts to curb the disease.
In Liberia and Sierra Leone transmission continues to be high. Liberia now has the most cases with 972 infections and 576 fatalities. The Liberian government has imposed a nationwide curfew from 2100-0600 to try to stem the spread of EVD. Increasing public anxiety over the virus and growing frustration with the government’s response have resulted in sporadic demonstrations and violence.
Quarantine zones have been set up in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia in order to restrict movement thereby decreasing the risk of Ebola transmission. Restrictions on movement along with the decision of some airlines and shipping companies to suspend services to the affected countries are starting to produce supply shortages. The World Health Organization is working with the World Food Programme to ensure that people in the quarantined zones are receiving food, water, and other basic supplies.
Countries around the world continue to engage in active surveillance for cases of EVD.
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
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