Still no case of Ebola in SA
WHO fears that 20 000 could be affected before the outbreak is over.
There is still no suspected or confirmed case of Ebola in South Africa or its neighbouring countries the National Department of Health said on Monday.
This is while the total number of 8 997 confirmed, probable, and suspected cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) have been reported in seven affected countries (Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Spain, and the United States of America) up to the end of 12 October.
There have been 4 493 deaths.
According to Popo Maja from the National Department of Health “There are 220 new cases including 44 deaths reported on 12 October 2014. The last confirmed cases in Senegal and Nigeria, were reported on 29 August 2014 and 08 September 2014 respectively.
“The outbreak continues to accelerate.”
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), half of the nearly 5 000 cases occurred in the last three weeks, and that it was not unthinkable that 20 000 could become infected before the outbreak is over. However, most cases are concentrated in only a few localities.
The number of suspected and confirmed Ebola infections in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), which occurred independently of the one in West Africa and involves a different virus strain, has doubled to 62 within a week. However the government of DRC has launched a robust response to counter the outbreak.
Maja added “It is clear, however, that the situation in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone is deteriorating, with widespread and persistent transmission of EVD. An increase in new cases in Guinea is being driven by a spike in confirmed and suspected cases in the capital, Conakry, and the nearby district of Coyah.
“Of the countries with localised transmission, Nigeria and Senegal are now approaching 42 days since the date of last potential contact with a probable or confirmed case. Both Spain and the United States continue to monitor potential contacts.”
The National Department of Health issued a statement earlier this week saying that “In response to the unprecedented EVD epidemic, the first-ever UN emergency health mission, the UN Mission for Ebola Emergency Response (UNMEER) has been set up.
“Its strategic priorities are to stop the spread of the disease, treat infected patients, ensure essential services, preserve stability and prevent the spread to countries currently unaffected by EVD.
“WHO continue to be responsible for overall health strategy and advice within the Mission, and has now moved its base of operations from Conakry, Guinea, to the UNMEER Mission headquarters in Accra, Ghana. A four-day crisis management and operational planning meeting will take place in Accra from 15 October.
“The creation of UNMEER is a significant development in the international community’s response to this epidemic, a comprehensive 90-day plan to control and reverse the epidemic of EVD in West Africa has been put into action. To rapidly reverse the current crisis, capacity will be put in place to isolate at least 70 per cent of EVD cases and safely bury at least 70 per cent of patients who die from EVD by 1 December 2014 (the 60-day target).
“The ultimate goal is to have capacity in place for the isolation of 100 per cent of EVD cases and the safe burial of 100 per cent of patients who die from EVD by 1 January 2015 (the 90-day target), which is projected to result in a declining rate of transmission in an estimated 85 per cent of affected areas. In accordance with the WHO Ebola Response Roadmap, the 90-day Ebola Response plan requires that at least 50 per cent of major inputs in five crucial domains be put in place by 1 November, with 100 per cent of inputs in place by 1 December.
“South Africa and more and more members of the international community are supporting the efforts the World Health Organisation in establishing Ebola treatment centres and strengthening capacity for laboratory testing, contact tracing, social mobilisation, safe burials, and non-Ebola health care in West Africa.
“WHO continues to monitor for reports of rumoured or suspected cases from countries around the world and systematic verification of these cases is ongoing. Countries are encouraged to continue engaging in active surveillance and preparedness activities.”
The National Department of Health will continue monitoring the situation and inform South African citizens accordingly.
For more information on Ebola, please visit the Department website (www.doh.gov.za). The World Health Organisation also provides detailed information on Ebola (www.who.int).
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