Ebola in Guinea – CDC Notice for travelers

What is the current situation?

According to the Ministry of Health of Guinea, as of March 24, 2014, 6 cases of Ebola have been confirmed in Guékédou Prefecture. Suspected cases of Ebola, including some deaths, have been reported but not yet confirmed in Guékédou, Kissidougou, Macenta, and Nzérékoré prefectures. Suspected cases in border areas of Liberia and Sierra Leone are being investigated.

CDC recommends that travelers to these areas avoid contact with blood and body fluids of infected people to protect themselves.

What is Ebola?

Ebola hemorrhagic fever is a rare and deadly disease. The disease is native to several African countries and is caused by the Ebola virus. It is spread by direct contact with blood or body fluids of a person infected with Ebola virus. It is also spread by contact with contaminated objects or infected animals.

Symptoms include fever, headache, joint and muscle aches, sore throat, and weakness, followed by diarrhea, vomiting, and stomach pain. Skin rash, red eyes, and internal and external bleeding may be seen in some patients.

Who is at risk?

Cases of Ebola are seen sporadically throughout Africa. The risk to most travelers is low, but travelers could be infected if they come into contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids. Health care workers and family and friends of an infected person are at highest risk.

What can travelers do to prevent Ebola?

There is no vaccine for Ebola and no specific treatment. Although travelers are at low risk for the disease, it is important to take steps to prevent Ebola.

• Practice careful hygiene. Avoid contact with blood and body fluids of infected people. Do not handle items that may have come in contact with an infected person’s blood or body fluids.
• Avoid contact with animals.
• Seek medical care if you develop fever, headache, achiness, sore throat, diarrhea, vomiting, stomach pain, rash, or red eyes.
• Health care workers who may be exposed to people with the disease should follow these steps:
  • Wear protective clothing, including masks, gloves, gowns, and eye protection.
  • Practice proper infection control and sterilization measures. For more information, see “Infection Control for Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers in the African Health Care Setting.”
  • Isolate Ebola patients from unprotected people.
  • Avoid direct contact with the bodies of people who died from Ebola.

Traveler Information

• Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever

Clinician Information

• Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever
• Viral Hemorrhagic Fevers

Information for Airline Personnel

• Interim Guidance about Ebola Virus Infection for Airline Flight Crews, Cargo and Cleaning Personnel, and Personnel Interacting with Arriving Passengers

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