The Ebola hemorrhagic fever epidemic continues to spread in West Africa. The virus has killed more than 1,000 since the start of the year, according to the WHO
A symbolic bar has been crossed, that of 1000 dead. According to the latest WHO report, the Ebola fever epidemic currently raging in Africa has claimed exactly 1,013 victims. And 1,848 cases have been identified. These data show that the situation is particularly critical in Liberia: between August 7 and 9, 45 new cases and 29 deaths were recorded there. In Guinea, there were 11 new cases and 6 deaths, in Sierra Leone 13 cases and 17 deaths during the same period and no new cases in Nigeria.
A relaunched epidemic
For Dr Sylvain Baize, discoverer of the Ebola strain which is currently raging, we are witnessing a new outbreak of the epidemic. “I was a little surprised at the extent with which the epidemic started again,” he confides in why actor. At the end of April-beginning of May, I was hopeful that the epidemic would be contained since we had more cases in Liberia, and very few in Guinea (more in Conakry). The concern was that there were still a few foci that were not really controlled in the Guéckédou area (Guinea). Then, it took 2 or 3 patients who were not discovered in time to relaunch the epidemic. “
Source: WHO
Delivery of the experimental serum to Liberia
This is why the United States has just sent samples of the ZMapp experimental serum to Liberia. This experimental treatment has so far only been tested in monkeys. The favorable results led to it being administered to two Americans, whose condition improved. But, the use of non-validated treatments obviously raises ethical questions, and in particular to whom should this serum be given as a priority… WHO has brought together experts on the subject and must give an opinion during the day. Faced with this “global public health emergency”, the race against time continues.
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