Highlights

• The WHO reports a total of 22,525 cases (suspected, probable, and confirmed) and 9,004 deaths in the three currently affected countries in West Africa (Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone).

• The number of new cases is generally stable in Liberia (N=5) and Guinea (N=39) and showing a moderate increase in Sierra Leone (N=80) compared to previous weeks. In these three countries, however, the number of new cases per week remains well below that observed in the second half of 2014.

• In Guinea, pockets of resistance are observed, particularly in Lower Guinea, where hidden cases persist, unidentified by surveillance systems. Efforts to overcome resistance (acceptance of care) in the Forecariah district have led to the discovery of new cases.

• In Guinea, over the past two weeks, two new districts have reported cases for the first time.

• Transmission remains active in the three capitals: Conakry, Freetown, and Monrovia.

• From January 17 to February 8, 2015, the African Cup of Nations (CAN) took place in Equatorial Guinea, with Guinea among the participating countries. To date, no cases linked to this event have been reported.