Guinea declares Ebola epidemic after first deaths since 2016, WHO launches ground survey

WHO is reportedly helping Guinea obtain the Ebola vaccine, which was instrumental in controlling the outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Doctors wear hazmat suits caring for Ebola patients. Image Credit: Pixabay

Guinea has declared an Ebola epidemic after three people died in the southeast of the country. Four others have also reportedly fallen ill from the disease. According to a report by Al jazeera, seven people fell ill with diarrhea, vomiting and bleeding after attending a funeral in Goueke, near the border with Liberia. The country’s Health Ministry said on Sunday that infected patients have been isolated in treatment centers. The ministry issued a statement indicating that in light of the situation and in accordance with international health standards, the government declares an Ebola epidemic.

Health Minister Remy Lamah stated that officials were genuinely concerned about the death, first since the 2013-2016 epidemic, which started in Guinea and left 11,300 faces in West Africa.

According to a report by AFPThe head of the National Health Security Agency, Sakoba Keita, told local media on Saturday that one of the latest victims in Guinea was a nurse who fell in late January and was buried on February 1.

Keita also told local media that a patient had escaped but had been found and hospitalized in the capital, Conkry.

The WHO African Region tweeted the announcement, writing: “New #Ebola outbreak declared in Guinea’s #GuineaFlag by health authorities today. 3 cases have been confirmed in the rural community of Gouéké in N’Zerekore prefecture. This is the first time the disease has been reported since the last outbreak ended in 2016. “

In another tweet, they added that WHO staff are already on the ground supporting surveillance, infection prevention and community engagement. According to the tweet, WHO is also supporting Guinea in acquiring the Ebola vaccine, which has proven critical in controlling outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Guinea declares Ebola epidemic after first deaths since 2016 WHO launches field survey

The Ebola virus is highly contagious and can be contracted through bodily fluids such as vomit, blood, or semen.

WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus tweeted that Guinea has many years of experience in the fight against Ebola and that the government is taking action. He added that WHO has activated all levels to coordinate support for Guinea, including access to Ebola vaccines and treatments.

Ebola jumps to humans from infected animals like chimpanzees, fruit bats, and forest antelopes. One of the natural reservoirs of the Ebola virus is bushmeat, non-domesticated forest animals that are hunted for consumption. The disease is transmitted between humans through direct contact with infected blood, body fluids, or organs. It can also spread indirectly through contact with a polluted environment.

Following the announcement, Liberian President George Weah has put health authorities on greater alert. According to a BBC report, experts have said that containment is key to fighting the disease. The virus initially causes sudden fever, severe weakness, muscle pain, and a sore throat. Patients tend to die from dehydration and multiple organ failure.

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