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Up to 19 October, 4,877 people had been reported as having died from the disease in five countries; Liberia, Guinea, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and the United States. The total number of reported cases is in excess of 9,900.

This week we will cross 9,000 cases of Ebola and 4,500 deaths. The outbreak continues to hit health workers hard. So far 427 health care workers have been infected with Ebola and 236 have died.

Symptoms, Diagnosis, & Treatment Symptoms Most people infected with chikungunya virus will develop some symptoms. Symptoms usually begin 3–7 days after being bitten by an infected mosquito. The most common symptoms are fever and joint pain. Other symptoms may include headache, muscle pain, joint swelling, or rash. Chikungunya disease does not often result in death, but the symptoms can be severe and disabling. Most patients feel better within a week. In some people, the joint pain may persist for months. People at risk for more severe disease include newborns infected around the time of birth, older adults (≥65 years), and people with medical conditions such as high blood pressure, diabetes, or heart disease. Once a person has been infected, he or she is likely to be protected from future infections. Diagnosis The symptoms of chikungunya are similar to those of dengue, another disease spread by mosquitoes. See your doctor if you develop the symptoms described above. If you have recently traveled, tell your doctor. Your doctor may order blood tests to look for chikungunya or other similar diseases. Treatment There is no medicine to treat chikungunya virus infection or disease. Decrease the symptoms: Get plenty of rest Drink fluids to prevent dehydration Take medicines, such as ibuprofen, naproxen, acetaminophen, or paracetamol, to relieve fever and pain.