DR Congo - Ebola outbreak confirmed May 2018 (May - July 25, 2018)

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https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kinshasa

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NEWS

DRC: False alert on a suspected case of Ebola in Kinshasa

Dated
May 23, 2018

The health ministry denies rumors circulating in the opinion about the presence of an alleged suspected case of Ebola virus in the Kinshasa General Hospital.

"After clinical and epidemiological investigations at the Kinshasa Reference General Hospital (formerly Mama Yemo), the patient from Brazzaville, intercepted at Ngobila Beach, had jaundice unrelated to the Ebola virus disease," a statement from ministry released this Wednesday, May 23, 2018.

The epidemic remains circumscribed in the province of Equateur where two patients who escaped on Monday from Wangata General Hospital in Mbandaka were found dead yesterday. The secure burial was provided by the Red Cross in the presence of MSF. Another who escaped Saturday was found the day before yesterday at the market.

Patrick Maki

https://actualite.cd/2018/05/23/rdc-fausse-alerte-sur-un-cas-suspect-debola-a-kinshasa/

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DRC-Ebola: WHO reassures about the effectiveness of surveillance measures in Kinshasa

Dated
May 24, 2018

The National Representative of the World Health Organization (WHO), Dr. Allangar Yokouind?, said that the arrangements made for the prevention of Ebola haemorrhagic virus in Kinshasa are effective.

He recalled that the teams were deployed to the port of Kinshasa to ensure the health control of people arriving by boat from Bikoro and Mbandaka (Ecuador), areas affected by the epidemic. Dr. Allangar Yokouind? also reported that steps have been taken to train the heads of all Kinshasa hospitals and health centers for the necessary investigations.

"Since the epidemic began in Equateur province, arrangements have been made in Kinshasa. Between Mbandaka and Kinshasa, between Bikoro and Kinshasa, there are waterways. Provisions have been made since then to ensure that people who arrive by boat, teams are at the level of ports to be able to carry out health checks systematically. The second measure that has been taken is at the level of health facilities here in Kinshasa. The heads of all Kinshasa hospitals and health centers have been grouped together to be sensitized so that there is some kind of alert, "said Dr. Allangar Yokouind?, WHO Country Representative on the sidelines of the meeting. MONUSCO press conference on Wednesday.

Regarding allegations of a case of the Ebola outbreak reported to the Kinshasa Reference General Hospital, Ex-Mama Yemo, Dr. Allangar Yokouind? reassured that this is an alert.

"The case of Mama Yemo is not a suspicious case, it is an alert. That's what to say. And when there are alerts like that, there are teams set up and as soon as the alert reaches them, the team deploys directly to the place to do the investigation, "he reassured.

On Wednesday, the health ministry called "false alarm" rumors circulating in the opinion of the presence of an alleged suspected case of Ebola virus in Kinshasa General Hospital.

Auguy Mudiayi

https://actualite.cd/2018/05/24/rdc-ebola-loms-rassure-quant-a-lefficacite-des-mesures-de-surveillance-a-kinshasa/

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Translation Google

ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION Thursday, May 24, 2018 The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated May 23, 2018 : A total of 52 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, of which 31 confirmed, 13 probable and 8 suspected . 3 new suspected cases, including 2 in Bikoro, 1 in Iboko. 1 new case confirmed to Iboko. 1 confirmed case death in Bikoro. 7 negative tests, including 5 in Wangata and 2 in Bikoro. Samples were finally collected on the community death in Bikoro reported in our bulletin of Wednesday, May 23, 2018. The laboratory tests were negative. The case was thus removed from the table. Remarks Negative tests are systematically removed from the summary table. The category of probable cases includes all reported deaths for which it was not possible to obtain biological samples for laboratory confirmation. PHOTO OF THE DAY Red Cross volunteers in Bikoro

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https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=89e5755d2cca4840b1af93176&id=fa49592279

[Shiloh]

Source: http://www.who.int/csr/don/23-may-2018-ebola-drc/en/
Ebola virus disease ? Democratic Republic of the Congo

Disease outbreak news
23 May 2018

On 8 May 2018, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD). This is the ninth outbreak of Ebola virus disease over the last four decades in the country, with the most recent outbreak occurring in May 2017 (Figure 1). Additional information on this outbreak is available from situation reports in the links below.
Since the last Disease Outbreak News on 17 May 2018, an additional fourteen cases with four deaths have been reported. On 21 May 2018, eight new suspected cases were reported, including six cases in Iboko Health Zone and two cases in Wangata Health Zone. On 20 May, seven cases (reported previously) in Iboko Health Zone have been confirmed. Recently available information has enabled the classification of some cases to be updated¹.
As of 21 May 2018, a cumulative total of 58 Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases, including 27 deaths (case fatality rate = 47%), have been reported from three health zones in Equateur Province. The total includes 28 confirmed, 21 probable and 9 suspected cases from the three health zones: Bikoro (n=29; ten confirmed and 19 probable), Iboko (n=22; fourteen confirmed, two probable and six suspected cases) and Wangata (n=7; four confirmed and three suspected case). Of the four confirmed cases in Wangata, two have an epidemiological link with a probable case in Bikoro from April 2018. As of 21 May, over 600 contacts have been identified and are being followed-up and monitored field investigations are ongoing to determine the index case. Three health care workers were among the 58 cases reported. Figure 2 shows the geographic location of cases by health zone, as of 21 May 2018.
Figure 1: Past Ebola virus disease outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1976 through 2018.



Figure 2: Geographical distribution of Ebola virus disease cases by health zone, Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 21 May 2018.



Public health response

The Ministry of Health is leading the response in affected health zones with the support of WHO and partners. Priorities include the strengthening of surveillance and contract tracing, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control, case management, community engagement, safe and dignified burials, response coordination, and vaccination.

• WHO is working with the Ministry of Health, Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance, M?decins Sans Fronti?res (MSF), UNICEF and other partners, including the Ministry of Health of Guinea, to conduct vaccination against Ebola for people at high risk of infection in affected health zones.
• On 21 May 2018, ring vaccination started along with vaccination of health workers in Mbandaka (WHO) and Bikoro (MSF). Merck has provided WHO with 8 640 doses of the rVSVΔG-ZEBOV vaccine of which 7 540 doses are available in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (approximately enough for 50 rings of 150 people). An additional 8 000 doses will be available in the coming days.
• WHO continues to strengthen surveillance and contract tracing activities. The Early Warning Alert and Response (EWAR) System was deployed to Wangata to improve the collection and management of information cases and contacts.
• Staff in health facilities in Wangata and Bikoro continue to be trained to use EWARS and enhance surveillance activities. A hotline was re-established to assist the detection of new cases, and an alert system was setup with MSF in Wangata. Rapid Response Teams (RRT) and ?relais communautaires? have been trained and activated to investigate new cases and conduct contract tracing.
• WHO continues to coordinate with the UN Humanitarian Air Service (UNHAS) for daily air transport between Mbandaka and Bikoro. In Iboko, an airstrip has been cleared for helicopters to land.
• Case management and infection, prevention and control activities continue to be scaled up with the establishment, stocking and staffing of Ebola Treatment Units (ETUs) within affected areas. MSF-Belgium continues support case management within the Bikoro Reference Hospital. WHO is coordinating with clinical teams (EMTs) to be on standby should further ETUs be required, and to mobilize four teams to support triage, IPC and maintenance of essential health services for the population at the major health facilities in Mbandaka, as well as a team to support a safe ambulance referral system for patients.
• WHO, UNICEF and partners are supporting the Ministry of Health to raise awareness and engage affected communities to promote the early identification of signs and symptoms of EVD, seek prompt treatment, and practice safe and dignified burials. Risk communication activities are continuing in the affected areas and Kinshasa.
• As of 21 May, WHO has deploymed 123 personnel. WHO is working with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) partners and technical networks, including the Emerging Diseases Clinical Assessment and Response Network (EDCARN) and the WHO Emerging and Dangerous Pathogen Laboratory Network (EDPLN) to coordinate response planning and technical support, and to deploy additional technical support. As of 21 May, 15 exerts from GOARN partners are being deployments to strengthen field teams.
• Preparation Support Teams (PST) missions are underway in several priority countries in the region to enhance preparedness and readiness in the event of further spread.

WHO risk assessment

Information about the extent of the outbreak is still limited and investigations are ongoing. The confirmed case in Mbandaka, a large urban centre located on major national and international rivers, roads and domestic air routes, increases the risk of spread within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to neighbouring countries. WHO has, therefore, revised the assessment of public health risk to very high at the national level and high at the regional level. Nine neighbouring countries, including Congo-Brazzaville and Central African Republic, have been advised that they are at high risk of spread, and preparedness activities are being undertaken. At the global level the risk currently remains low. This risk assessment is continuously being review as further information becomes available.
Based on the current situation and information available, the WHO Director-General convened an Emergency Committee under the International Health Regulations (IHR) (2005) on Friday 18 May to provide advice on whether the current outbreak constitutes a public heath event of international concern². It was the view of the Committee that the conditions for a Public Health Emergency of International Concern have not currently been met.
WHO advice

In light of the advice of the Emergency Committee, WHO continues to advise against the application of any travel or trade restrictions. WHO continues to monitor travel and trade measures in relation to this event, and currently there are no restrictions on international traffic in place.
The Emergency Committee while noting that the conditions for a PHEIC are not currently met, issued the following Public Health Advice:

• Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, WHO, and partners remain engaged in a vigorous response ? without this, the situation is likely to deteriorate significantly. This response should be supported by the entire international community.
• Global solidarity among the scientific community is critical and international data should be shared freely and regularly.
• It is particularly important there should be no international travel or trade restrictions.
• Neighbouring countries should strengthen preparedness and surveillance.
• During the response, safety and security of staff should be ensured, and protection of responders and national and international staff should prioritised.
• Exit screening, including at airports and ports on the Congo river, is considered to be of great importance; however entry screening, particularly in distant airports, is not considered to be of any public health or cost-benefit value.
• Robust risk communication (with real-time data), social mobilisation, and community engagement are needed for a well-coordinated response and so that those affected understand what protection measures are being recommended.
• If the outbreak expands significantly, or if there is international spread, the Emergency Committee will be reconvened.

For more information on Ebola virus disease, please see the link below:

• Ebola Virus Disease fact sheet
• Ebola situation report
• Statement of the 1st meeting of the IHR Emergency Committee

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¹ The total number of cases is subject to change due to ongoing reclassification, retrospective investigation, and availability of laboratory results. Data reported in the Disease Outbreak News are official information reported by the Ministry of Health.
² ?Public health emergency of international concern? means an extraordinary event which is determined, as provided in these Regulations: (i) to constitute a public health risk to other States through the international spread of disease and (ii) to potentially require a coordinated international response?. International Health Regulations (2005).

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Last week, there was a suspected case of Ebola in Esesenge, Haut-Uele province, near Faradje. There have been no updates so is it safe to assume this was negative?

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Last week, there was a suspected case of Ebola in Esesenge, Haut-Uele province, near Faradje. There have been no updates so is it safe to assume this was negative?

Negative according to this media report:


Translation Google

Watsa / Health: KGM sensitizes community against Ebola, strengthens surveillance devices and preaches handwashing

Ebola / Kibali
Social strata of Watsa and KGM raising awareness of Ebola on Friday 25 May 2018 in Durba ? Orientalinfo.net, Heir MUNGUMIYO

The Kibali Community Center in Durba served Friday, May 25, 2018 framework for an awareness campaign against Ebola haemorrhagic fever organized by the territorial administration in collaboration with Kibali Gold Mine. The different social strata were represented, including associations of taximotos, schools, economic operators to name just a few. Some iconic figures from the area such as Felly Ututu and others also took part in this session.

The director of the Kibali Hospital Center, in his presentation in the presence of Gustave Dutoit, acting director of this company, indicated that the initiative aims to inform the public about the danger of this disease and the preventive measures to be observed during this period. this epidemic remains declared in the country precisely in Bikoro in Ecuador at about 1300 km from Watsa in Haut-Uele. It is also part of the general policy of Rand Gold Resources, which generally develops a proactive plan to ensure that these workers and communities living near its activities remain safe. Dr. Herman Luhovu focused on the mode of transmission of Ebola and its symptoms before inviting the population of the Watsa Health Zone to become accustomed to the good practice of hand washing and to observe other preventive measures against Ebola in particular: avoid the manipulation or consumption of bushmeat, forbid the washing of hands in common, wash fruits and vegetables well, avoid contact with infected persons and others.

Kibali has also equipped the Watsa sanitary zone with two laser thermometers alongside five chlorinated water tanks at the bus stops and at the entrance and exit of the Durba and Watsa cities to reinforce this prevention.

This initiative is greeted by the chief medical officer of Watsa Health Zone. Dr Crispin Lokutu says the country remains on alert. He invited the participants in this awareness session to share the news in the community and to respect new monitoring devices put in place.

Note that the session closed with questions and answers and a video projection on the effects of this epidemic in a region of the DRC and on cholera.

Meanwhile, it should be pointed out that the results of the samples taken from the recent suspect case of Faradje sent to the National Institute of Biomedical Research in Kinshasa turned out negative specify the doctors.

http://orientalinfo.net/05/25/watsa-sante-kgm-sensiblise-la-communaute-contre-ebola-renforce-les-dispositifs-de-surveillance-et-preche-le-lavage-des-mains/

[Gert van der Hoek]

Press Release MOH


EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION

Friday, May 25, 2018

The Epidemiological Status of Ebola Virus Disease, 24 May 2018:

* A total of 54 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 35 confirmed, 13 probable and 6 suspected.
* 4 new suspected cases, including 2 in Bikoro, 1 in Iboko, 1 in Wangata.
* 4 new confirmed cases in Iboko, 1 of which died a few hours after collection.
* 2 negative test: 1 Wangata, 1 Bikoro.



Remarks

* Negative tests are systematically removed from the summary table.
* The category of probable cases includes all reported deaths for which it was not possible to obtain biological samples for laboratory confirmation.

[sharon sanders]

From the WHO report in post 64:

"As of 21 May 2018, a cumulative total of 58 Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases, including 27 deaths.."

Add one more death on the Friday report from the Ministry of Health from post 67, then the death count climbs to 28.

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Translation Google

ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION Saturday, May 26, 2018 The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated May 25, 2018 : A total of 54 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 35 confirmed, 13 probable and 6 suspected . 4 new suspicious cases (1 Ntondo, 1 Wangata, 2 Bikoro) 1 death of a confirmed case from Iboko. 4 Negatives: 3 in Bikoro, 1 in Wangata Epidemiological analyzes have identified contacts living in nearby health areas in Bikoro and Iboko. These contacts are followed and advised to limit their movements during the entire follow-up period of 21 days. Remarks Negative tests are systematically removed from the summary table. The category of probable cases includes all reported deaths for which it was not possible to obtain biological samples for laboratory confirmation. News from the Ebola response Descent of the Minister of Health in Bikoro and Iboko Accompanied by a strong delegation composed of partners such as the representatives of WHO, UNICEF, IOM, the Minister of Health went this Saturday, May 26 in the territories of Bikoro and Iboko aboard a helicopter to be aware of the on-the-ground deployment of the entire Ebola response. The Minister of Health also chaired a meeting with the local Ebola Committee and was able to meet one of three former confirmed cases of Ebola that recovered after treatment. From Monday, May 28, 2018, vaccination in Bikoro will begin. The next steps will be to launch the immunization activities in Iboko after ensuring all the logistics but also to carry out the precise targeting of the beneficiaries of the vaccine, namely the front-line health personnel, the people who have been in contact with the cases. confirmed Ebola and contacts of these contacts. Outreach officers continue their field work and remind the public that vaccination is effective only if other hygiene measures, all monitoring components, follow-up contacts are well respected.

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https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=89e5755d2cca4840b1af93176&id=d51f61d9c5

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[*]4 new suspicious cases (1 Ntondo, 1 Wangata, 2 Bikoro)

Ntondo appears to be the health region directly to the South of Bikoro and Iboko. It is a remote area that likely has links to Bikoro. Suspect cases in a new zone are unnerving but the detection of the suspect case shows that the response is working.

[Pathfinder]

Translation Google

ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018

EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION Sunday, May 27, 2018 The Epidemiological Status of Ebola Virus Disease on May 26, 2018 : A total of 56 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 35 confirmed, 13 probable and 8 suspected . 4 new suspected cases: 3 in Iboko and 1 in Bikoro 2 negative tests in Bikoro No new positive case No new deaths Epidemiological analyzes have identified contacts living in nearby health areas in Bikoro and Iboko. These contacts are followed and advised to limit their movements during the entire follow-up period of 21 days. Remarks Negative tests are systematically removed from the summary table. The category of probable cases includes all reported deaths for which it was not possible to obtain biological samples for laboratory confirmation. News from the Ebola response ASSORBIKO: Intercession Mass for Ebola Victims in Equateur Province The Association of Bikoro Nationals, in acronym ASSORBIKO organized a Mass for the victims of Ebola, this Saturday, May 5, 2018, in the conference room of the Free University of Kinshasa. On this occasion, the faithful and believers have implored God's mercy for a prompt healing of their brothers and sisters who are currently suffering from the Ebola epidemic in the areas of Mbandaka, Bikoro, Iboko and Itipo. They prayed the good God to welcome in his eternal bliss the dead whom the present Epidemic has occasioned. The Secretary General of the Ministry of Health, representing the Minister of Health Oly Ilunga, invited ASSORBIKO to encourage their relatives in Ecuador to respect the hygiene measures and avoid picking up dead animals to stop the spread of the virus. He also recalled the messages on vaccination, projected in the room by the Director of National Program of Communication and Health Promotion, Raoul Kamanda. Finally, the ceremony attended by honorable deputies, senators, the Secretary General for Health, religious and members of ASSORBIKO ended with the reading of messages of thanks and grievances from the ASSORBIKO, on the Ebola epidemic in Ecuador in Bikoro territory. PHOTO OF THE DAY The Provincial Minister of Gender, Women and Family, Mrs. Odile Bofua Lotafe, regularly visits the markets of Mbandaka to sensitize the salesgirls.

https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=89e5755d2cca4840b1af93176&id=7b3fac451d

[Treyfish]

The Expanded Program of Immunization launched this Monday, May 28 vaccination against Ebola virus disease in Bikoro in the province of Ecuador. According to Dr. Bate Ndjoloko, general director of the fight against this epidemic, the target of this vaccination remains the front-line health staff as well as the people who have been in contact with confirmed Ebola patients... "Saturday's data shows 25 deaths including 16 in Bikoro and 56 cases and we have 1034 contacts in total. All the chances are on our side so that the vaccination starts today Monday in Bikoro. https://www.radiookapi.net/2018/05/2...e-ebola-bikoro

[Treyfish]

Ntondo appears to be the health region directly to the South of Bikoro and Iboko. It is a remote area that likely has links to Bikoro. Suspect cases in a new zone are unnerving but the detection of the suspect case shows that the response is working.

Schools Close Following the Ebola Epidemic
Posted on May 27, 2018


Several schools in the locality of Iboko in Ecuador have stopped functioning as a result of the Ebola haemorrhagic fever epidemic in the region.

Several residents of this locality located about 180 kilometers southeast of Mbandaka on the border of the province of Mai-Ndombe live since Friday in psychosis following the death the same day in Bobala, 12 kilometers away, of a woman suspected of suffering from Ebola.
Since then, prevention measures recommended by the experts are scrupulously followed, report local sources: the regular washing of the hands and the prohibition of shaking hands of the thirds became fashionable in the locality.

Many residents say they are insecure and prefer to stay home to avoid being affected by this virus. In addition, the heads of several schools have preferred to suspend school activities to protect children, Radio Okapi told sources on the spot. https://www.lecongolais.cd/des-ecole...idemie-debola/

[Treyfish]

.. A doctor and a nursing sister were threatened by locals after they were accused of bringing the disease to their communities, while people in one town prevented medics from testing the body of someone suspected to have died from Ebola, officials said, as Reuters reported... In one of the more alarming developments in the outbreak to date, family members of two Ebola patients removed them from an isolation ward in Mbandaka on Monday night, walking them out of the hospital before putting them on the back of motorcycles.One was taken to a nearby evangelical church, according to health officials and a source at the church, where she ? by now vomiting and unable to walk ? joined 19 other people for prayers in a cramped tin-roofed building.
She returned to a hospital before succumbing to the illness the next night. The other patient was taken home, where he died hours later, leaving health officials scrambling to locate their contacts across the city of 1.5 million people.
A witness at the church, who declined to be named, said the woman came to testify that God had cured her of her illness.
?We prayed for her,? he said.
https://www.theepochtimes.com/fatal-...g_2540291.html

[tetano]

Health officials 'cautiously optimistic' on Ebola response

The World Health Organization says it is "cautiously optimistic" about efforts to curb the spread of Ebola in an urban area in Congo, although the lethal virus is still reported in at least two remote areas.
There have been 35 confirmed cases, including 25 deaths. The U.N. health agency and partners have vaccinated more than 400 people with an experimental Ebola vaccine, the first time it has been used in an emerging outbreak.
WHO emergencies chief Peter Salama told reporters in Geneva that the response has gone "quite smoothly" and called it encouraging that there has not been an explosive increase in cases in Mbandaka city.
He says officials are also planning to test five unlicensed drugs for Ebola, pending Congo's approval.

http://www.sacbee.com/news/article212098339.html

[tetano]

Stopping Ebola before the virus goes viral

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) remains relatively small. The World Health Organization (WHO) reports 56 people with confirmed, probable or suspected infections, including 25 deaths.
But despite the modest numbers, other countries shouldn?t be complacent. It?s in everyone?s interest to help WHO and DRC bring this outbreak under control quickly.
Ebola virus disease is not as contagious as influenza or measles. But it can still spread exponentially fast.


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https://www.news24.com/Africa/News/stopping-ebola-before-the-virus-goes-viral-20180530