Global health issues have a far reaching affect on our industry, the latest being the Ebola outbreak in West Africa. As hoteliers, we have a responsibility to be diligent in protecting our customers through internal processes, communication and training.
The Center for Disease Control (CDC) publishes regular status updates. Fowing is an overview of the Ebola epidemic and statistics to provide some perspective of the impact of the disease.
Ebola Overview
The 2014 Ebola epidemic is the largest in history, affecting multiple countries in West Africa. There were a small number of cases reported in Nigeria and Mali and a single case reported in Senegal; however, these cases were contained, with no further spread in these countries.
Two imported cases, including one death, and two locally acquired cases in healthcare workers were reported in the United States. CDC and its partners are taking precautions to prevent additional Ebola cases in the United States. CDC is working with other U.S. government agencies, the World Health Organization (WHO), and other domestic and international partners and has activated its Emergency Operations Center to help coordinate technical assistance and control activities with partners. CDC has also deployed teams of public health experts to West Africa and will continue to send experts to the affected countries.
Confirmed, probable, and suspected cases reported by Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone
| Country | Case definition | Cumulative cases | Cases in past 21 days | Cumulative deaths |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guinea | Confirmed | 3011 | 198 | 1865 |
| Probable | 398 | * | 398 | |
| Suspected | 20 | * | ‡ | |
| Total | 3429 | 198 | 2263 | |
| Liberia** | Confirmed | 3151 | 1 | ‡ |
| Probable | 1879 | * | ‡ | |
| Suspected | 4572 | * | ‡ | |
| Total | 9602 | 1 | 4301 | |
| Sierra Leone | Confirmed | 8520 | 144 | 3381 |
| Probable | 287 | * | 208 | |
| Suspected | 3034 | * | 158 | |
| Total | 11 841 | 144 | 3747 | |
| Total | Confirmed | 14 682 | 343 | ‡ |
| Probable | 3564 | * | ‡ | |
| Suspected | 7626 | * | ‡ | |
| Total | 24 872 | 343 | 10 311 |
For further information, refer to the Center for Disease Control, following are some useful links:
