N’Zerekore, Guinea, February-June 2021
The Ministry of Health of the Republic of Guinea announced an outbreak of Ebola virus disease on 14 February 2021 after a cluster of cases was reported in the sub-prefecture of Gouécké, Nzérékoré Region. This was the first time the disease was reported in Guinea since the previous outbreak ended in 2016.
Shortly after the infections were detected, national health authorities, with support from WHO and partners, mounted a swift response, tapping into the expertise gained in fighting recent outbreaks both in Guinea and in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
WHO helped ship around 24 000 Ebola vaccine doses and supported the vaccination of nearly 11 000 people at high risk, including over 2800 frontline workers.
On 19 June 2021, the outbreak was declared over. A total of 16 confirmed and 7 probable cases were reported, of whom 12 people died.
WHO continues to support Guinea in its efforts to remain vigilant, maintain surveillance and build capacity to respond quickly to a possible resurgence of the virus. An Ebola laboratory, treatment infrastructure, logistics capacity and infection prevention measures have been reinforced to better respond to the disease as well as other health emergencies.
Disease outbreak news - start of the outbreak - end of the outbreak
The Strategic Advisory Group of Experts (SAGE) on Immunization held an extraordinary meeting on 7 May 2024 on ebola vaccines. This report summarizes the...
Ebola and Marburg disease outbreaks remain important public health threats. The newly published WHO Infection prevention and control guideline...