Both Fodei and Munir reported this weekend that there are still no cases of Ebola in Tunkia Chiefdom. They reiterated earlier reports that things are better in Kenema, and now those reports are being supported by information from the US Embassy in Sierra Leone, stating that reported Ebola cases in Kenema have dropped from a high of 50 per week to 4 this past week. Of course, these are just the reported cases, and underreporting is still likely, though it does indicate a trend. They attribute this to infection control, availability of treatment beds, staff training, and safer burial practices. However, there were some new cases reported in the northeast portion of Kenema District closest to Kailahun, in the village of Malegahun, according to Munir.
The news from Peri, 12 miles to the north of Gbeworbu in Gaura Chiefdom, is mixed. The two additional victims identified last week have died in hospital, though there are no new cases among those still quarantined there. Two of the villagers have run away, though, and could potentially spread the virus if they have it. The village of Jalla, near Peri, also reported one case, and now several people there are under quarantine.
Munir said that one of the daily texts from the government via the phone system indicated there were two Ebola cases in Mali. That has not been reported in the mainstream media that I've seen, so it will be interesting to see whether those texts turn out to be reliable sources of early notification or not.
Munir had a good meeting with the Paramount Chief, who praised the work but did not request that the outreach teams begin visiting villages in the south of the chiefdom. The soldiers still have those villages covered. So for now, the teams will continue serving the 29 villages they have already contacted.
Food transport is still being allowed, and there is still rice for sale in Kenema. Some upland rice harvesting is beginning in the village. Harvesting of swamp rice, which yields more heavily, will begin in 4-6 weeks. Completion of this harvest will eventually ease concerns about food shortages in the village, at least for the time being. The rains are beginning to decrease -- it rains 3-4 days a week now instead of every day.
The new rice-hulling machine bought last year as a backup is being installed now in anticipation of the harvest. The older one still works, but is slower than before. The villagers may build a second hut elsewhere in the village and use both machines for the time being. SC
The news from Peri, 12 miles to the north of Gbeworbu in Gaura Chiefdom, is mixed. The two additional victims identified last week have died in hospital, though there are no new cases among those still quarantined there. Two of the villagers have run away, though, and could potentially spread the virus if they have it. The village of Jalla, near Peri, also reported one case, and now several people there are under quarantine.
Munir said that one of the daily texts from the government via the phone system indicated there were two Ebola cases in Mali. That has not been reported in the mainstream media that I've seen, so it will be interesting to see whether those texts turn out to be reliable sources of early notification or not.
Munir had a good meeting with the Paramount Chief, who praised the work but did not request that the outreach teams begin visiting villages in the south of the chiefdom. The soldiers still have those villages covered. So for now, the teams will continue serving the 29 villages they have already contacted.
Food transport is still being allowed, and there is still rice for sale in Kenema. Some upland rice harvesting is beginning in the village. Harvesting of swamp rice, which yields more heavily, will begin in 4-6 weeks. Completion of this harvest will eventually ease concerns about food shortages in the village, at least for the time being. The rains are beginning to decrease -- it rains 3-4 days a week now instead of every day.
The new rice-hulling machine bought last year as a backup is being installed now in anticipation of the harvest. The older one still works, but is slower than before. The villagers may build a second hut elsewhere in the village and use both machines for the time being. SC
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