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

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  • #76
    Ebola virus disease ? Democratic Republic of the Congo

    Disease outbreak news
    30 May 2018


    Since the last Disease Outbreak News on 23 May 2018, six additional cases have been laboratory confirmed for Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Recently available information has enabled the classification of some cases to be updated1 .
    From 4 April through 27 May 2018, a cumulative total of 54 Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases including 25 deaths (case fatality ratio for confirmed and probable cases = 52%) have been reported from three health zones in Equateur Province. The total includes 35 confirmed, 13 probable and six suspected cases from the three health zones, Bikoro (n=22; 10 confirmed, 11 probable and 1 suspected cases), Iboko (n=27; 21 confirmed, two probable and four suspected cases) and Wangata (n=5; four confirmed, and one suspected cases) (Figure 3). Of the four cases reported in Wangata, two have an epidemiological link with a probable case in Bikoro from April 2018. The suspected Ebola virus disease case reported in Ntondo health zone on 25 May has tested negative and has been ruled out. Five health care workers were among the 54 cases reported. As of 28 May, 74% of the 992 registered contacts have been traced. Figure 1 shows the date of illness onset for 46 confirmed and probable cases from 5 May through 25 May 2018.
    The age range of all cases is from 8 to 80 years old and the median age is 41 years old. 60% of the cases are male (Figure 2). Figure 2 shows the age and sex distribution for 47 confirmed and probable cases. Figure 3 shows the location of confirmed, probable, and suspected cases by health zone.
    Figure 1: Confirmed and probable Ebola virus disease cases by date of illness onset from 4 April through 25 May 2018 (n=46)




    Date of illness onset is unknown for two cases.
    Figure 2: Confirmed and probable Ebola virus disease cases by age and sex from 4 April through 25 May 2018 (n=47)




    Age is unknown for one case.
    Figure 3: Democratic Republic of the Congo, Ebola cases per Health Zone in Equateur province from 4 April through 27 May 20182




    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.
    • Since the launch of the vaccination intervention on 21 May, a total of 462 people have been vaccinated. Populations eligible for ring vaccination are front-line health professionals, people who have been exposed to confirmed Ebola virus disease cases and contacts of these contacts.
    • WHO continues to strengthen surveillance and contract tracing activities. On 23 May 2018, a total of 40 staff in health facilities were trained in Mbandaka on the use of the field data collection tool (Early Warning, Alert and Response (EWAR) System) for the early notification of alerts and suspected Ebola virus disease cases and the follow up of contacts.
    • 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. WHO is coordinating the deployment of multiple medical teams to support the Ebola treatment centres (ETCs), case referral system, and to support health facilities to remain open for non-Ebola care. The care of suspected and confirmed Ebola virus disease patients is currently being provided by M?decins Sans Fronti?res in Bikoro, Wangata where ETCs have been set up.
    • 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 Ebola virus disease, seek prompt treatment, and practice safe and dignified burials. Communication of key messages in churches, schools, market places and door-to-door house visits is the main approach used to raise awareness on Ebola virus disease in Mbandaka, Wangata, Bikoro and Itipo.
    • As of 29 May, WHO has deployed 156 technical experts to support response efforts in the three hotspots of Bikoro, Iboko, and Wangata (Mbandaka city). 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 to deploy additional technical support. As of 28 May, 15 experts from GOARN partner institutions are deployed through WHO to support response activities in the field.
    • WHO together with partners (International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)) are assessing key strategic points of entry/exit in Mbandaka, Bikoro, Iboko, and Kinshasa, including international airports and major ports. Exit screening measures are in place and will be further strengthened with the aim to prevent the international spread of the disease.
    • WHO is enhancing preparedness and readiness activities in nine neighbouring countries: Angola, Burundi, Central African Republic, Republic of Congo, Rwanda, South Sudan, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia. The activities undertaken include the deployment of Preparation Support Teams (PST) to eight out of nine countries to assess Ebola virus disease readiness using a standardized tool and support development of contingency plans, with partners.
    WHO risk assessment

    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, assessed the 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 18 May to provide advice on whether the current outbreak constitutes a public heath event of international concern3 . 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, convened by the WHO Director-General on 18 May 2018, 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 Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC) are not currently met, issued comprehensive Public Health Advice.WHO has issued travel advice for international travellers in relation to the current Ebola outbreak.For more information on Ebola virus disease, please see the links below:
    1The 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.
    2The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on this map do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the World Health Organization concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Dotted and dashed lines on maps represent approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement.
    3?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).

    http://www.who.int/csr/don/30-may-2018-ebola-drc/en/

    "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
    -Nelson Mandela

    Comment


    • #77
      Translation Google
      ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018
      EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION
      Wednesday, May 30, 2018

      The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated May 29, 2018 :
      • A total of 53 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 36 confirmed, 13 probable and 4 suspected .
      • 3 new suspicious cases in Iboko
      • 1 negative test in Bikoro
      • 1 new case confirmed in Iboko
      • 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
      Minister of Health enlightening the National Assembly on the situation of the Ebola epidemic
      • Following the topical question of the Honorable National Deputy Bavon N'sa Mputu Elima on the Ebola outbreak, the Minister of Health, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga, went to the National Assembly, this Wednesday, May 30, 2018, in order to enlighten the deputies on the evolution of the situation.
      • The questions addressed to the Minister focused on: the decision of the WHO Emergency Committee not to declare the epidemic a public health emergency of international concern; the concrete steps taken by the Government to effectively combat the disease; the epidemic, the nature and scope of the interventions of traditional multilateral partners in the health sector, the epidemiological situation to date, the nature and effectiveness of therapeutic treatments and vaccines administered to patients and caregivers .

      Raising awareness of Mbandaka cyclists and motorcyclists
      • This Wednesday, May 30, 2018, the communication team of the Ministry of Health has sensitized more than 200 tolekists (cyclists) and motorcycle taxi drivers of the city on the precautionary measures to take to protect against the Ebola virus disease.
      • This is a priority target because bicycles and motorcycle taxis are the most popular means of transport used by the population in Mbandaka. When a person is sick, she is often transported by these tolekists or motorcycle taxis to the nearest health center. This is a real danger for the drivers themselves but also for their future passengers.
      • In addition, patients who had left the treatment center had been transported with their families by these motorcycle taxis. Through this awareness session, the Ministry of Health team was able to identify five drivers who had been in contact with confirmed cases of Ebola. They are now monitored by the monitoring team.

      Vaccination
      • Following the sensitization of tolekists and motorcycle taxis, all drivers who have been in contact with confirmed cases of Ebola have voluntarily registered to benefit from vaccination.
      • Since the launch of the vaccination on May 21, 561 people have been vaccinated, including 444 in Mbandaka, 74 in Bikoro and 43 in Iboko.

      Psycho-social monitoring of students in Iboko
      • Following the Ebola outbreak, several schools in the Iboko Health Zone have decided to suspend school activities to protect children. The teams of the Ministry of Health in charge of psycho-social monitoring organized psycho-educational sessions in local primary schools as well as meetings with teachers and parents of pupils.


      PHOTO OF THE DAY
      The awareness session was held at the Ekanga cafeteria where cyclists and bikers usually have breakfast.
      "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
      -Nelson Mandela

      Comment


      • #78
        Translation Google
        ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018
        EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION
        Thursday, May 31, 2018

        The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated May 30, 2018 :
        • A total of 50 cases of haemorrhagic fever have been reported in the region, of which 37 confirmed, 13 probable and 0 suspect .
        • 3 negative tests, including 1 in Wangata and 2 in Iboko
        • 1 new positive case in Iboko
        • No new suspicious cases
        • No new deaths reported this day. However, at the close of the database, deaths from confirmed cases increased from 5 to 6 for Bikoro and from 4 to 3 for Iboko.
        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

        Vaccination
        • Since the launch of the vaccination on May 21, 682 people have been vaccinated, including 499 in Mbandaka, 113 in Bikoro and 70 in Iboko.

        PHOTO OF THE DAY
        The 'Makila' market in Mbandaka on the banks of the Congo River
        ...

        "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
        -Nelson Mandela

        Comment


        • #79
          Translation Google
          ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018
          EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION
          Monday 04 June 2018

          The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 03 June 2018 :
          • A total of 56 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 37 confirmed, 13 probable and 6 suspected .
          • 6 new suspected cases, including 5 in Bikoro and 1 in Wangata. These are all known contacts.
          • The 3 samples of June 2 were negative
          • No new cases confirmed today
          • No new deaths reported today
          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

          Vaccination
          • Since the launch of the vaccination on May 21, 1,199 people have been vaccinated, including 577 in Mbandaka, 299 in Bikoro and 323 in Iboko.
          Supported
          • In an epidemic situation, the financial barrier can not in any way constitute a barrier to access to health care. Thus, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo had decreed free healthcare in all affected health areas on May 16.
          • This Monday, June 04, 2018, free care is effective in all 40 public health facilities in Mbandaka. The Minister of Health, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga, will preside over an official ceremony to hand over 65 tons of medicine to these health facilities during his trip to Mbandaka this week.

          PHOTO OF THE DAY
          Disinfection of motorcycles and bicycles at the Mbandaka 3 market in the Wangata health zone by Red Cross volunteers
          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
          -Nelson Mandela

          Comment


          • #80
            Translation Google
            ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018
            EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION
            Tuesday 05 June 2018

            The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 04 June 2018 :
            • A total of 58 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 37 confirmed, 14 probable and 7 suspected .
            • 5 new suspected cases, including 2 in Bikoro and 3 in Iboko. These are all known contacts.
            • 4 samples were negative
            • Death of a confirmed case in Bikoro
            • Death of a suspected case in Iboko whose family refused to take samples
            • No new cases confirmed today
            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

            Vaccination
            • Since the launch of the vaccination on May 21, 1,369 people have been vaccinated, including 597 in Mbandaka, 299 in Bikoro and 473 in Iboko.
            Supported
            • All trials of experimental treatments in the Democratic Republic of Congo must follow strict procedures of validation and administration, under the supervision of the National Institute of Biomedical Research.
            • A joint scientific committee has been established at the national level to evaluate existing experimental treatments for Ebola. This committee is composed of experts from the National Institute of Biomedical Research, the University of Kinshasa and partners such as WHO, MSF, UNICEF, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and UCLA. After validation of 5 treatments whose results were promising during the first phases of research, the scientific committee then submitted an application for approval to the ethics committee.
            • On Friday, June 1, 2018, the National Ethics Committee gave a favorable opinion to the request made by the Scientific Committee.
            • A group of Congolese and international clinicians was deployed in the field to evaluate, on a case-by-case basis, the criteria for administering one or other of these treatments to patients hospitalized at Ebola treatment centers.
            • To date, no experimental treatment has been given to hospitalized patients. Discussions on how to administer treatment in the context of the current epidemic are still ongoing between the different stakeholders.
            • Given the evolution of the epidemiological curve, it is very likely that very few patients are eligible to receive either of these molecules.

            PHOTO OF THE DAY
            The Minister of Health, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga, in discussion with one of the traditional chiefs of Bikoro territory
            "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
            -Nelson Mandela

            Comment


            • #81
              Translation Google
              ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018
              EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION
              Wednesday 06 June 2018

              The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 05 June 2018 :
              • A total of 60 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 37 confirmed, 14 probable and 9 suspected .
              • 6 new suspected cases, including 2 in Bikoro, 3 in Iboko and 1 in Wangata. Three of these cases are known contacts.
              • 4 samples were negative
              • No deaths reported so far
              • No new cases confirmed today
              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

              Vaccination
              • Since the launch of the vaccination on May 21, 1,579 people have been vaccinated, including 622 in Mbandaka, 372 in Bikoro, 555 in Iboko and 30 in Ingende.

              Sensitization
              • This Wednesday, June 6, 2018, teams of communicators from the Ministry of Health, WHO and UNICEF organized an awareness session for 50 traditional healers (traditional doctors) of the city of Mbandaka. During this session, they discussed the generalities of Ebola Virus Disease as well as the prevention methods and the hygiene measures to respect in order to stop the transmission of the virus.
              • These traditional doctors or healers are an important target for awareness because they are the first resort of the inhabitants when they are sick. It is therefore essential for the Ministry of Health to work with these healers so that they can spread the good messages to the people and invite them to adopt more responsible behaviors.
              • At the beginning of the session, the healers were invited to share their opinion on the Ebola virus disease. Many of them said that it was not a real disease but rather a curse of ancestors that could be broken through traditional remedies.
              • However, the session was successful and the traditional healers were convinced by the messages of health communicators. They are committed to the recommended hygiene measures, such as the use of gloves during consultations.

              PHOTO OF THE DAY
              The Minister of Health, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga, hands over new motorcycles and safety vests to the president of Mbandaka motorcycle taxis association
              ...
              "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
              -Nelson Mandela

              Comment


              • #82
                DR Congo reports first post-vaccination Ebola case

                Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded its first confirmed case of Ebola in over a week, the health ministry said on Thursday, although medics say they have made significant progress in their efforts to contain the disease.
                The patient, a known contact of someone who is believed to have died from Ebola on May 20, was confirmed positive on Wednesday for the haemorrhagic fever in the rural community of Iboko, the ministry said in a daily report.
                Health officials have moved aggressively to contain the epidemic in a bid to head off a repeat of the 2013-16 outbreak in West Africa that killed more than 11,300 people.

                The World Health Organization said on Thursday that it was committing $15.6 million over the next nine months to helping the nine countries that border Congo to scale up their emergency response capab

                Comment


                • #83
                  From: WorldHealthOrganizationNews@who.int
                  To: undisclosed-recipients:;
                  Subject: Webcast of Ebola outbreak briefing
                  Date: Jun 8, 2018 3:40 AM

                  Dear journalists,

                  On the one month anniversary of the declaration of the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Dr Peter Salama, WHO Deputy Director-General of Emergency Preparedness and Response, who has returned today from his second visit to affected areas, will provide an overview of the response.

                  WHEN: Friday, June 8 at 16h Geneva time

                  The briefing will be webcast live on the WHO Twitter account: https://twitter.com/WHO

                  Best regards
                  WHO Media Team

                  Media contact:
                  Tarik Jašarević
                  Mobile: +41 793 676 214
                  Tel: +41 22 791 5099
                  E-mail: jasarevict@who.int

                  Comment


                  • #84

                    hat tip Pathfinder


                    EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION
                    Thursday, June 07, 2018
                    (ERRATUM)

                    The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 06 June 2018:

                    A total of 62 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 38 confirmed, 14 probable and 10 suspected.
                    1 new case confirmed to Iboko. This is a known contact of a probable case who died on May 20, 2018.
                    5 new suspected cases, including 2 in Bikoro and 3 in Wangata.
                    4 samples were negative
                    No deaths reported so far
                    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


                    Vaccination
                    Since the launch of the vaccination on May 21, 1,826 people have been vaccinated, including 673 in Mbandaka, 398 in Bikoro, 725 in Iboko and 30 in Ingende.

                    Partnership
                    This Friday, June 8, 2018, a team of Chinese experts will arrive in Kinshasa to assist the Congolese health authorities in the response to Ebola Virus Disease. Like other international experts who come to support the Congolese experts, they will participate in the various commissions set up to manage the response.
                    It is also worth mentioning that under Congolese legislation, any use of experimental vaccines must be authorized by the Scientific Committee and the Ethics Committee. To date, only the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine has been authorized by these committees as part of the current Ebola outbreak.


                    Comment


                    • #85
                      Translation Google
                      ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018
                      EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION
                      Friday, June 08, 2018

                      The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 07 June 2018 :
                      • A total of 59 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 38 confirmed, 14 probable and 7 suspected .
                      • 6 new suspicious cases in Iboko
                      • 9 samples were negative
                      • No deaths reported so far
                      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

                      Vaccination
                      • Since the launch of the vaccination on May 21, 2,064 people have been vaccinated, including 698 in Mbandaka, 498 in Bikoro, 838 in Iboko and 30 in Ingende.

                      PHOTO OF THE DAY
                      Ministry of Health communicator in discussion with traditional medicine and researcher Dr. Mbondo Bololo after Mbandaka sensitization session
                      "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                      -Nelson Mandela

                      Comment


                      • #86
                        Press release MOH, machine translated

                        EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION

                        Saturday, June 09, 2018

                        The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 08 June 2018:


                        * A total of 59 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 38 confirmed, 14 probable and 7 suspected.

                        * 5 new suspected cases, including 3 in Bikoro and 2 in Iboko

                        * 5 samples were negative

                        * No deaths reported so far


                        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


                        Vaccination
                        Since the launch of the vaccination on 21 May, 2,145 people have been vaccinated, including 713 in Mbandaka, 498 in Bikoro, 904 in Iboko and 30 in Ingende.

                        Ebola, a month later
                        This Saturday, June 9, 2018, the Minister of Health, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga, held a press conference to present the results of the first month of the government response to the ninth epidemic of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo .

                        In his presentation, the Minister of Health returned to the events leading up to the declaration of 8 May before presenting in more detail the specific challenges related to this ninth epidemic and the actions taken by the Government to deal with them.

                        Beyond the management of the current epidemic, the Government's priority is to improve the country's epidemiological surveillance system and the resilience of its health system. Since the Ebola virus has a natural reservoir located in the equatorial forest, the country must expect to face a tenth epidemic and prepare for it. Thus, all the activities supported by the Government in the context of this epidemic 'follow this logic. This includes the establishment of an emergency operations center in Mbandaka and the expansion and strengthening of the Kinshasa emergency operations center.

                        In addition, free healthcare, which is now effective in seven health zones, is part of the Government's vision to achieve universal health coverage in the DRC. According to the Minister of Health, if the DRC manages to make universal health coverage a reality for millions of Congolese in a context as difficult as that of an Ebola epidemic, it means that the country has the means to extend it all over the country.

                        Although the chain of transmission is identified and controlled, the Minister of Health remains cautious because the risk of spread remains high due to the mobility of the population in the affected areas. All efforts are now focused on Itipo, in the health zone of Iboko, where the last confirmed case was postponed on June 7th.
                        Finally, the Minister of Health emphasized the importance of dialogue and inclusion of communities in the response. Interventions by the Ministry of Health and partners have created interference in affected communities. We are therefore responsible for helping communities to find a social balance that is necessary for sustainable development. To this end, the Ministry of Health facilitated job creation among the young local population in Bikoro and Ikoko-Impenge by initiating community-based work, such as road rehabilitation and transport of national experts. A dialogue with mothers has also been established to identify income-generating activities to increase women's empowerment in affected areas.




                        ?Addressing chronic disease is an issue of human rights ? that must be our call to arms"
                        Richard Horton, Editor-in-Chief The Lancet

                        ~~~~ Twitter:@GertvanderHoek ~~~ GertvanderHoek@gmail.com ~~~

                        Comment


                        • #87
                          Translation Google
                          ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018
                          EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION
                          Sunday, June 10, 2018

                          The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 09 June 2018 :
                          • A total of 66 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 38 confirmed, 14 probable and 14 suspected .
                          • 3 new suspected cases, including 1 in Wangata and 2 in Iboko
                          • In Itipo, in the health zone of Iboko, 8 suspected cases dating from June 8 were reported only this Sunday, June 10 because of communication problems in the area. Samples are being analyzed.
                          • 4 samples were negative
                          • Death of a confirmed case in Iboko.
                          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

                          Vaccination
                          • Since the launch of the vaccination on May 21, 2,221 people have been vaccinated, including 713 in Mbandaka, 498 in Bikoro, 980 in Iboko and 30 in Ingende.

                          PHOTO OF THE DAY
                          Training on dignified and secure burial by the Red Cross DRC in Itipo, in the health zone of Iboko
                          "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                          -Nelson Mandela

                          Comment


                          • #88
                            Translation Google
                            ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018
                            EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION
                            Monday 11 June 2018

                            The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated June 10, 2018 :
                            • A total of 55 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 38 confirmed, 14 probable and 3 suspected .
                            • 2 new suspicious cases in Iboko
                            • 13 samples were negative
                            • No deaths reported so far
                            • No new cases confirmed
                            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

                            Vaccination
                            • Since the launch of the vaccination on May 21, 2,295 people have been vaccinated, including 713 in Mbandaka, 498 in Bikoro, 1,054 in Iboko and 30 in Ingende.

                            Travel of the Minister of Health and the Director General of WHO to Itipo
                            • On Monday, June 11, 2018, the Minister of Health, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga, went to Itipo, in the health zone of Iboko, accompanied by the Director General of WHO, Dr. Tedros Adhanom. The village of Itipo is now the center of attention because it is the only health area that continues to report confirmed cases of Ebola just over a month after launching the response.
                            • Upon arrival, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga congratulated the Ministry of Health experts deployed to Itipo for the work accomplished. In about ten days, they were able to put in place all the components of the response and effective coordination despite difficult logistical conditions. The Minister of Health was particularly impressed by the functioning of the local commissions and the mechanism for monitoring alerts and contacts through rapid response teams that go from village to village on a motorcycle. They also succeeded in establishing a genuine dialogue with the indigenous Pygmy communities, which enabled them to accept several public health measures, including safe burial.
                            • The Minister of Health also thanked ALIMA who realized the wish of the population by installing an Ebola treatment center in Itipo in about ten days. Until now, patients were temporarily taken care of in a transit center in Itipo before being transferred to the Bikoro Reference General Hospital, thus finding themselves away from their families. From now on, all patients can be treated near their homes.
                            • The visit of the Minister of Health and the Director General of WHO ended with a meeting with the National Association of Ebola Winners (ANVE). The ANVE brings together people who have been cured of Ebola as well as the relatives of the victims. During the exchange session with their hosts, they shared poignant testimonies. Despite the fact that the victors lost all their material possessions, which were destroyed in order to avoid any contamination, they shared messages filled with hope for the future and were grateful for this second chance they were given . The Minister of Health is committed to supporting them through the ANVE to help them start a new life.

                            Transmission chain at Itipo
                            • The last confirmed case of Ebola to date in the Itipo health area, reported on June 3, was a 7-year-old girl whose mother was a probable case who died on May 20. The entire chain of transmission around the family (contacts, contacts of contacts) has been identified. A dialogue was initiated with the family that was receptive and agreed to collaborate with the health authorities. Vaccination within this circle is underway.

                            PHOTO OF THE DAY
                            Minister of Health and WHO Director General surrounded by members of the National Association of Ebola Winners
                            ...
                            "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                            -Nelson Mandela

                            Comment


                            • #89
                              WHO chief says Ebola outbreak in DR Congo 'not over

                              WHO chief Tedros Adhanom on Tuesday called for tighter monitoring as he wrapped up a visit to Ebola-hit DR Congo, saying the outbreak was far from over despite the number of cases stabilising in recent weeks.
                              The outbreak ? the ninth in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1976 ? was declared on May 8 and has claimed 27 lives.
                              "On the basis of statistics, we can say that the situation has stabilised but the war is not over, we must reinforce vigilance and surveillance," he said at the end of a three-day assessment visit.
                              "One case in an urban setting can set off an outbreak," he warned.
                              His comments come after the WHO and NGOs since May 21 began helping DRC immunise front-line workers with a vaccine that has shown to be highly effective in trials, though it still awaits regulatory approval.


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                              • #90
                                Translation Google
                                ECHOS EBOLA RDC 2018
                                EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION
                                Tuesday, June 12, 2018

                                The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated June 11, 2018 :
                                • A total of 59 cases of haemorrhagic fever were reported in the region, including 38 confirmed, 14 probable and 7 suspected .
                                • 4 new suspected cases, including 1 in Bikoro, 2 in Iboko and 1 Wangata
                                • No deaths reported so far
                                • No new cases confirmed
                                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

                                Vaccination
                                • Since the launch of the vaccination on 21 May, 2,507 people have been vaccinated, including 753 in Mbandaka, 561 in Bikoro, 1,163 in Iboko and 30 in Ingende.

                                Pan-African collaboration
                                • On Tuesday, June 12, 2018, the Minister of Health, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga, met with his counterparts from the Republic of Congo and the Central African Republic during a teleconference from Kinshasa Emergency Operations Center.
                                • The teleconference aimed to take stock of the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of Congo, share the country's experience in managing Ebola outbreaks and address the concerns of health authorities in neighboring countries. In addition, the three ministers of health also discussed the issue of cross-border collaboration and agreed that it was important to hold meetings between their respective technical teams more regularly.
                                • Health ministers plan to hold regional workshop on cross-border contingency plan to be complemented by full-scale simulation exercise of cross-border response


                                PHOTO OF THE DAY
                                The Minister of Health visits the mobile laboratory of the National Institute of Biomedical Research installed in Itipo
                                ...
                                "Safety and security don't just happen, they are the result of collective consensus and public investment. We owe our children, the most vulnerable citizens in our society, a life free of violence and fear."
                                -Nelson Mandela

                                Comment

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