Health Alert – U.S. Embassy Malabo (February 9, 2023)
Location: Equatorial Guinea
Event: On February 8, 2023, the Government of Equatorial Guinea (EG) announced that over the past month, there has been an epidemiological outbreak of an as yet unidentified disease in the Nsok Nsomo district of the Kie-Ntem province in the mainland region of the country. There have so far been nine reported deaths in two communities. The deceased presented similar symptoms of fever, weakness, diarrhea, and vomiting blood.
The EG Ministry of Health and Social Welfare (MINSABS) learned of the outbreak on February 7 and began implementing its protocol for a national health emergency. MINSABS has dispatched a team of experts to the district and is working with the World Health Organization to identify the cause of the illness and deaths. The government is expecting to have more information within 48 hours, which it will make public.
MINSABS has advised the general population to avoid contact with any individuals displaying the symptoms mentioned above, to practice good hygiene, to use masks in impacted areas, and to avoid unnecessary gatherings, including family celebrations. The government has also advised that only medical professionals handle cadavers of the deceased and that the population not attend funerals and wakes.
Actions to Take:
· Immediately report to a health professional if you experience fever, weakness, diarrhea, or vomiting blood.
· Continue practicing good hygiene, including washing your hands and disinfecting produce.
· Monitor news programs and websites to stay abreast of new health announcements from the government.
· Avoid travel to the Kie-Ntem province and surrounding areas until the outbreak is controlled.
· Avoid large gatherings and wear a mask when in enclosed spaces.
· Do not attend wakes or funerals.
· Check your email regularly for additional updates from U.S. Embassy Malabo.
For Assistance and Information:
U.S. Embassy Malabo, Equatorial Guinea
+(240) 333-095-741 or +(240) 555-516-008 (after hours)
https://gq.usembassy.gov/embassy/malabo/
State Department – Consular Affairs
888-407-4747 or 202-501-4444
Equatorial Guinea Country Information
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