No new cases have been reported or confirmed in South Africa, the SADC region, or in other countries. This while the total number of probable and confirmed cases in the current outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the four affected countries as reported by the respective Ministries of Health of Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, and Sierra Leone continues to rise at 3 069 probable and confirmed cases, with 1 552 deaths.
The outbreak continues to accelerate. More than 40% of the total number of cases have occurred within the past 21 days. However, most cases are concentrated in only a few localities. The overall death rate is 52%. It ranges from 42% in Sierra Leone to 66% in Guinea.
A separate outbreak of Ebola virus disease, which is not related to the outbreak in West Africa, was laboratory-confirmed on 26 August by the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and is detailed in a separate edition of the Disease Outbreak News of the World Health Organisation.
A detailed analysis by WHO of exactly where transmission is occurring (by district level) and of time trends is ongoing. Preliminary results show that cases are still concentrated (62% of all reported cases since the beginning of the outbreak) in the epicentre of the outbreak in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, where cases continue to rise. Capital cities are of particular concern, owing to their population density and repercussions for travel and trade.
The World Health Organisation and its partners organisation are on the ground establishing Ebola treatment centres and strengthening capacity for laboratory testing, contact tracing, social mobilisation, safe burials, and non-Ebola health care.
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. Cases of EVD have been reported from the Democratic Republic of Congo. The cases in DRC are not related to the outbreak in West Africa.
The National Department of Health is continuing to monitor the situation and will keep South African citizens informed.
Enquiries:
Popo Maja
Head of Communication: National Department of Health:
Tel: 012 395 9591
Mobile: 072 585 3219 / 082 373 1169
