HIGHLIGHTS
GoG confirms three new cases for week of October 12
GoG plans to bolster EVD surveillance and case management in Forécariah following recent cases
Liberia transitions to expanded oral swabbing and approves RDTs
KEY DEVELOPMENTS
From October 12–18, the UN World Health Organization (WHO) reported three new EVD cases—all in Guinea. One case occurred in Conakry’s Ratoma sub-prefecture and two cases were recorded in Forécariah Prefecture. The Government of Guinea (GoG) plans to extend the ongoing micro-cerclages, or de-facto quarantines, and EVD vaccination campaign to additional villages in Forécariah.
The Government of Liberia (GoL) and response organizations are transitioning from a policy of universal safe and dignified burials (SDBs) to expanded post-mortem oral swabbing. USAID/OFDA partner Global Communities (GC) is supporting the transition by training health care workers in swab collection and testing techniques.
Sierra Leone reported no new cases for a third consecutive week. Provided no additional cases occur, WHO will declare the country EVD-free on November 8.