Here we describe the complete genome of a new ebolavirus, Bombali virus (BOMV) detected in free-tailed bats in Sierra Leone (little free-tailed (Chaerephon pumilus) and Angolan free-tailed (Mops condylurus)). The bats were found roosting inside houses, indicating the potential for human transmission. We show that the viral glycoprotein can mediate entry into human cells. However, further studies are required to investigate whether exposure has actually occurred or if BOMV is pathogenic in humans.

To end the largest known outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in West Africa and to prevent new transmissions, rapid epidemiological tracing of cases and contacts was required. The ability to quickly identify unknown sources and chains of transmission is key to ending the EVD epidemic and of even greater importance in the context of recent reports of Ebola virus (EBOV) persistence in survivors. Phylogenetic analysis of complete EBOV genomes can provide important information on the source of any new infection. A local deep sequencing facility was established at the Mateneh Ebola Treatment Centre in central Sierra Leone. The facility included all wetlab and computational resources to rapidly process EBOV diagnostic samples into full genome sequences. We produced 554 EBOV genomes from EVD cases across Sierra Leone. These genomes provided a detailed description of EBOV evolution and facilitated phylogenetic tracking of new EVD cases. Importantly, we show that linked genomic and epidemiological data can not only support contact tracing but also identify unconventional transmission chains involving body fluids, including semen. Rapid EBOV genome sequencing, when linked to epidemiological information and a comprehensive database of virus sequences across the outbreak, provided a powerful tool for public health epidemic control efforts.

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Background: Measurement of blood electrolytes level and lipid profile usually give good indications of the disease progression in a number of non communicable diseases. Objective: To investigate the effect of diabetes on electrolyte and lipid status of male and female diabetics in Freetown, Sierra Leone. Subjects and Methods: Serum concentrations of electrolytes and lipids in one hundred and twenty (120) adult diabetics attending some diagnostic centers in Freetown Sierra Leone were measured and compared with those of one hundred and twenty (120) non-diabetic individuals. Results: Total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and coronary heart disease (CHD) risk ratio in diabetic patients were significantly higher (P<0.05) than those of non-diabetics. Diabetic subjects also have low HDL-cholesterol compared with the non-diabetics. Analysis of serum electrolytes in diabetic individuals also shows significant reduction in serum K + , Na + and HCO 3 while Clwas significantly elevated compared with non-diabetics. There was no significant difference between the sexes in all parameters studied. Conclusion: We conclude that lipid abnormalities and electrolyte imbalance contribute towards complications observed in diabetes.

10 independent outbreaks of RVF have been detected in Uganda. The outbreaks occurred in 10 districts and involved 16 human cases of whom 7 died (CFR = 44%). From investigations conducted in Kabale district following RVF outbreak in 2016, cattle, goats, and sheep had a seroprevalence of 27% (86/324), 7% (40/569) and 4% (7/158), respectively. Of the 655 human blood samples that were collected, anti-RVFV IgG was detected in 78 (12%) human samples. Seropositivity for RVF was greater in participants who were butchers (OR = 5.1; 95% CI 1.7-15.1) and those who reported handling raw meat (OR 3.4; 95% CI 1.2-9.8). Some mosquitoes collected during the investigations were RT-PCR positive for RVF. The RVF virus circulating in Uganda is similar to that of the East Africa 2006-2007 Kenya-2 outbreak lineage.Conclusion: Rapid case detection, prompt laboratory testing at UVRI and presence of pre-trained, well-prepared National and District rapid response teams facilitated rapid containment and control of these outbreaks. These findings also indicate possible endemicity or re-emergence of RVF virus across many parts of Uganda.