This article is from the source 'bbc' and was first published or seen on . It last changed over 40 days ago and won't be checked again for changes.
You can find the current article at its original source at http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/health-30932578
The article has changed 2 times. There is an RSS feed of changes available.
Previous version
1
Next version
Version 0 | Version 1 |
---|---|
Falling Ebola cases show 'turning point' | Falling Ebola cases show 'turning point' |
(about 17 hours later) | |
There has been a "turning point" in the Ebola crisis, with cases falling in the three affected countries, World Health Organization officials say. | There has been a "turning point" in the Ebola crisis, with cases falling in the three affected countries, World Health Organization officials say. |
Just eight cases were detected in Liberia in the last week down from a peak of 500 a week in September. Guinea and Sierra Leone have also seen falls. | |
The WHO said the figures were the "most promising" since the outbreak started. | The WHO said the figures were the "most promising" since the outbreak started. |
But it continues to urge caution, and to highlight the need to find those who had contact with Ebola patients. | But it continues to urge caution, and to highlight the need to find those who had contact with Ebola patients. |
The largest outbreak of Ebola in human history has infected 21,724 people and killed 8,641 - largely in just three countries, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. | The largest outbreak of Ebola in human history has infected 21,724 people and killed 8,641 - largely in just three countries, Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea. |
All are now showing falls in weekly cases: | All are now showing falls in weekly cases: |
There are now some days in Liberia where no cases are reported at all. | There are now some days in Liberia where no cases are reported at all. |
Dr Christopher Dye, the director of strategy in the office of the director general, told the BBC News website: "The incidence is pretty clearly going down in all three countries now. | Dr Christopher Dye, the director of strategy in the office of the director general, told the BBC News website: "The incidence is pretty clearly going down in all three countries now. |
"Each of the last three weeks has been the most promising we've seen so far, the message is reductions in all places. | "Each of the last three weeks has been the most promising we've seen so far, the message is reductions in all places. |
"I would have identified the turning point as the beginning of the decline, first in Liberia and then later in Sierra Leone and Guinea." | "I would have identified the turning point as the beginning of the decline, first in Liberia and then later in Sierra Leone and Guinea." |
Resurgence | Resurgence |
However, he argued there was "no basis for complacency" due to the risk of a resurgence in cases. | However, he argued there was "no basis for complacency" due to the risk of a resurgence in cases. |
It is also uncertain whether the downward trends will continue unless there are improvements in "contact tracing". | It is also uncertain whether the downward trends will continue unless there are improvements in "contact tracing". |
A single case is enough to start an entire outbreak so identifying everyone who comes into contact with Ebola is vital. | A single case is enough to start an entire outbreak so identifying everyone who comes into contact with Ebola is vital. |
Yet the latest WHO situation report says the number of people being traced "remains lower than expected in many districts". | Yet the latest WHO situation report says the number of people being traced "remains lower than expected in many districts". |
Dr Dye added: "Contact tracing to find every last case needs to be intensified and we need all guns blazing on all fronts." | Dr Dye added: "Contact tracing to find every last case needs to be intensified and we need all guns blazing on all fronts." |
Western Sierra Leone remains another problem. | Western Sierra Leone remains another problem. |
Of the 145 cases reported across all affected countries last week, more than 100 were in that region, which includes the capital Freetown. | Of the 145 cases reported across all affected countries last week, more than 100 were in that region, which includes the capital Freetown. |
Speaking earlier this week, the UN system co-ordinator for Ebola, David Nabarro, said: "We have a very attractive and promising situation that leads us to believe that perhaps we are beginning to see the end of the outbreak. | Speaking earlier this week, the UN system co-ordinator for Ebola, David Nabarro, said: "We have a very attractive and promising situation that leads us to believe that perhaps we are beginning to see the end of the outbreak. |
"Unfortunately it's not quite as simple and the reason for that is any case of Ebola in the region can restart an outbreak very quickly." | "Unfortunately it's not quite as simple and the reason for that is any case of Ebola in the region can restart an outbreak very quickly." |
Previous version
1
Next version