CARPHA says there is a need for heightened international and regional vigilance and coordination, in light of the recent Ebola outbreak.
The WHO recently declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, following over 100 suspected deaths and over 600 suspected cases, mostly in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
CARPHA says while the current risk to the Caribbean Region is low, it continues to closely monitor this outbreak through its global scanning early warning mechanisms.
Additionally, it is leveraging its integrated suite of regional early warning and surveillance tools to support timely detection and situational awareness.
These include event-based and indicator-based surveillance systems with early warning alerts, such as the Tourism and Health Information System, the Caribbean Vessel Surveillance System, and the Talkwalker social listening platform.
Dr. Lisa Indar, CARPHA’s Executive Director said, “Despite the low risk, CARPHA is urging its Member States to maintain a high state of readiness. Because the Caribbean is a major global travel hub, the primary way the virus could arrive is through an infected traveler. CARPHA provides a layered, yet proactive approach to early warning, supporting Member States in the early detection, verification, and response to emerging health threats”.
What is Ebola and What are the Symptoms?
Ebola is a severe, often fatal illness. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which historically has a lower death rate than some other Ebola strains, but still causes severe illness.
Symptoms usually appear anywhere from 2 to 21 days after exposure and include:
- Fever and severe headache
- Muscle pain and weakness
- Extreme tiredness (fatigue)
- Sore throat
- Vomiting and diarrhoea
- Stomach pain
- Unexplained bruising or bleeding (in some cases)
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected persons, as well as through contact with surfaces and materials contaminated with these fluids.
Infection can also occur through exposure to infected wildlife. Persons infected with Ebola become infectious as they develop symptoms.
