UPDATING 11.16.17: Most Direct Marburg Viral Contacts Will Clear The 21 Day Observation Period At Midnight, Local -- In Kenya And Uganda

We will hold our breath until after midnight in New York -- in the hope that all of Kenya and Uganda reach an "all-clear" (the expiration of a 21 day observation period) -- as to the recent Marburg virus outbreak.

Here is the November 15, 2017 update, from WHO in full -- and just a little bit of it (detailing the method of transmission into Kenya):

. . . .Prior to his death, the second confirmed case travelled to Kenya where he visited his relatives in West Pokot County, as well as a traditional healer in Trans Nzoia County. On 29 October 2017, the Ugandan MoH notified WHO and the Kenyan MoH of these high-risk contacts. The traditional healer tested negative for Marburg virus disease on repeated blood specimen analyses performed at the Kenyan Medical Research Institute (KEMRI) in Nairobi. She and her family were monitored for 21 days. The two relatives from West Pokot, as well as other contacts in the same county, also completed their 21 days of follow up.

Active case search, death surveillance, safe and dignified burials and community mobilization are ongoing in Kween and Kapchorwa districts. In Uganda, of the 339 contacts listed, 283 have completed 21 days of follow-up and 56 are still being monitored. Contact follow-up is ongoing in Kween for the 56 contacts, while In Kapchorwa District, all the listed contacts have completed the 21 days follow-up period. All remaining contacts are expected to complete 21 days of follow up on 16 November 2017. Enhanced surveillance activities will continue until 7 December 2017. . . .

Now we watch, and wait. And listen to Ms. Chanté Moore in the mean time, to keep our spirits up -- sleep well, one and all:



नमस्ते