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DRC - Ebola outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri: July 30, 2018+

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  • DECEMBER 7, 2018

    Militants kill at least 18 civilians in Congo's Ebola zone

    BENI, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) - Suspected militiamen have killed at least 18 civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, near the epicenter of an Ebola outbreak, an army spokesman said on Friday.

    Repeated attacks by armed groups on civilians, Congolese soldiers and U.N. peacekeepers have hampered efforts to contain the epidemic, the second worst in history.

    So far, it is believed to have infected 471 people and killed 273 of them. Congo’s health ministry announced 13 new confirmed cases on Thursday, one of the highest one-day totals since the outbreak was declared in August.


    A local army spokesman, Captain Mak Hazukay, told Reuters the civilians were killed late on Thursday during two separate attacks near the town of Beni.

    “They killed some of them and took others hostage ... dragged them into the suburbs, where they burned down a house and savagely executed the hostages,” he said.

    ..............................

    The attacks have undermined health authorities’ ability to reach patients and others exposed to Ebola. Mistrust of first responders has also led some locals to refuse treatment or safe burials, aggravating the outbreak.

    Suspected militiamen have killed at least 18 civilians in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, near the epicenter of an Ebola outbreak, an army spokesman said on Friday.
    ?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


    • Translation Google

      LUBERO: the population aggressive against the Ebola response team

      Posted on: 10/12/2018 at 14h23min20s

      By Radio Moto Butembo-Beni

      The rural commune of Lubero was overheated the day of Saturday, December 08, 2018. All started from a refusal of the population to welcome the Ebola response team for taking samples from a body. The target body was that of a 3rd year student at the MULO Institute.

      The girl died, the night from Friday to Saturday, December 08 in a health facility offering traditional health care in Lubero. The illness of which she died was manifested by signs similar to those produced by Ebola. No agreement was found for taking samples at the deceased's home. The crowd wanted to unload on the Lubero Rural Health Zone Chief Medical Officer who was in the delegation of the Ebola Response Team. He was saved thanks to the intervention of the elements of the order who shot bullets in the air. But Doctor MUMBERE MUSIVIRWA Cyril had some injuries.

      The protesters had already destroyed the home of Dr. MUMBERE MUSIVIRWA Cyrille. Windows in his house, appliances and furniture were damaged. His jeep also suffered from the protestors' anger. Other members who were in the response team delegation were also affected. But our sources do not give details about them.

      The authorities of Lubero condemn this popular behavior which does not allow the easy fight against Ebola virus disease and the organization of dignified and safe burials. Finally, the girl's body was taken to her last home in Kipese late in the afternoon of Saturday, December 08, 2018.

      The return of the funeral, there was another misfortune. A young man fell from a FUSO vehicle carrying him with the others. He suffered serious injuries in his thigh where the femur was crushed by the rear tire of the vehicle. He continues to care at the reference hospital in Lubero.

      "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


      • Unverified source (from a blog)

        Translation Google

        DEC
        10
        Attack on Ebola response team in Kazaroho / Ituri
        A team from the Ebola response has just been attacked in Kazaroho, Ituri a few kilometers from Komanda in southern Bunia. The pygmies with arrows tackled the vaccination team.


        "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


        • Translation Google
          DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR DISEASE CONTROL
          EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION IN THE PROVINCES OF NORTH KIVU AND ITURI

          Monday, December 10, 2018


          The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated December 9, 2018 :
          • Since the beginning of the epidemic, the cumulative number of cases is 498, of which 450 confirmed and 48 probable. In total, there were 285 deaths (237 confirmed and 48 probable) and 167 people cured.
          • 73 suspected cases under investigation.
          • 4 new confirmed cases, including 3 in Katwa and 1 in Vuhovi.
          • 2 new deaths from confirmed cases (all community deaths), including 1 in Katwa and 1 in Vuhovi.
          • 2 new healed people, including 1 exit from the CTE of Beni and 1 from the CTE of Butembo.




          /! \ The data presented in this table is subject to further changes after thorough investigation and after redistribution of cases and deaths in their health areas.

          Remarks:
          • To avoid that the total number of cases varies (up or down) daily, the suspect cases have been placed in a separate category. Thus, suspect cases with positive laboratory tests will be added to the confirmed category, while negative ones (non-cases) will be removed from the table.
          • The probable case category includes all reported deaths for which it was not possible to obtain biological samples for laboratory confirmation. The investigations will determine whether these deaths are related to the epidemic or not.
          • A community death is a death in the community, outside of a licensed health center.
          News of the response

          Focusing
          • Some media reported that the Ebola outbreak had just reached the town of Butembo. However, the Ministry of Health recalls that the first case of Ebola was identified in the town of Butembo on September 4, 2018. This was a high-risk contact of a confirmed case deceased from the Ndindi district, in the city of Beni, who refused the vaccination and fled to Butembo to escape the monitoring teams. The Minister of Health, Dr. Oly Ilunga Kalenga, visited Butembo on September 6, 2018 to oversee the response activities in this major commercial city of North Kivu. A few days later, the emergency operations center and the Ebola treatment center were fully operational.
          • In the past six weeks, a significant increase in Ebola cases and deaths has been observed in Butembo and Katwa, mainly due to the reluctance of the population, the destruction of health infrastructure and the physical aggression of the response teams. At a press conference in Kinshasa on December 6, 2018, the Minister of Health had described the increase as disturbing. Despite the difficulties, additional teams are being sent to Butembo and neighboring health zones on a daily basis to strengthen all pillars of the response in these areas.
          • Although this epidemic of Ebola, the most serious in the history of the Democratic Republic of Congo, attracts the attention of the world, it is important to remain factual, scientific, and avoid "sensationalizing" a situation already extremely complex and unique. The DRC is the only country in the world facing an epidemic of one of the most deadly diseases in such a difficult and unpredictable environment.
          • The Ministry of Health is already working with the best Congolese and international experts from WHO, UNICEF, the African Union, M?decins Sans Fronti?res (MSF), Alima, the Red Cross, and many other organizations. Congolese providers stood out for their courage and dedication. During this epidemic, they realized what no one else had ever done, such as negotiating with Mai-Mai leaders to access their village and vaccinate whole communities against Ebola. They are driven by a remarkable sense of responsibility and duty towards their country and their fellow citizens. This epidemic has also given new meaning to the concept of international cooperation. Strong links have been created between Congolese and international experts by spending so much time together in a difficult environment. They work not only together but they also support and encourage each other. This collaboration between Congolese and international teams is exemplary.
          • The Ministry of Health remains open to any expert and any organization with proven expertise in a specific area of ​​the response. Despite the fact that they did not have security clearances to travel to Ebola-affected areas, US experts from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the US Agency for Development USAID have been involved in the response since August. They bring their expertise from Kinshasa and Goma, and make the connection with Washington DC and Atlanta.

          Vaccination
          • Continued wide-belt vaccination (or ring plus) in Otomaber (in Komanda Health Zone) and Aloya (in Mabalako Health Zone).
          • Since the start of vaccination on August 8, 2018, 43,944 people have been vaccinated , including 18,500 in Beni, 7,176 in Katwa, 4,836 in Mabalako, 4,176 in Butembo, 2,108 in Kalunguta, 1,663 in Mandima, 769 in Vuhovi, 750 in Masereka, 700 in Lubero, 633 in Komanda, 627 in Oicha, 599 in Mutwanga, 434 in Bunia, 355 in Tchomia, 314 in Musienene, 241 in Kyondo, and 63 in Alimbongo.



          ...

          "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


          • Translation Google

            DRC: Children account for more than one-third of Ebola cases, UNICEF "deeply concerned"

            Tuesday, December 11, 2018 - 10:29

            Children represent more than one third of Ebola cases in the provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, hit by the Ebola outbreak since August 1, announced on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, the Fund United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF).

            "We are deeply concerned about the growing number of children infected with the Ebola virus," said Marie-Pierre Poirier, UNICEF Regional Director for Central and African Africa, in a statement. Beni, one of the hotbeds of the Ebola outbreak.

            One in ten cases of Ebola was less than five years old, while the death rate among children who develop Ebola is higher than among adults.
            ...
            The impact of the disease on children is not limited to infected children.

            "When parents or guardians with the disease are taken to treatment centers or die, children are often left to fend for themselves," says UNICEF, which together with its partners says it has already identified more than 400 children orphaned or unaccompanied because of the virus.

            "Children are suffering a lot because of this epidemic - those who have lost their parents or guardians, as well as those who have been infected themselves," said Poirier.

            For this humanitarian leader, it is "imperative that children be placed at the heart of the response" ...



            -------------------------------------------------- -----------

            DRC-Ebola: Nearly 300 "contacts" have disappeared from epidemic areas, Goma city under threat

            Tuesday, December 11, 2018 - 16:34

            Nearly 300 people who had contact with people infected with the Ebola virus disappeared from the epidemic areas. Some of them would be in the city of Goma, chief town of the North Kivu province, have alerted the health authorities.

            The coordinator of the sub-coordination of the Ebola response in Goma, Dr. Richard Kitenge, said this Tuesday, December 11, 2018 during the presentation of a new roadmap of the response to the Ebola epidemic which strikes the territories of Beni and Lubero including three localities and the provinces of Ituri since August 1st last.

            "Until December 7, 87 contacts have disappeared, and some of these people are in Goma. And we have to add those from Butembo and elsewhere, we have more than 200 contacts never seen. There is a one year old child declared positive in Beni and five members of his family are present here in Goma, "said the doctor in the presence of basic frameworks, political and military authorities as well as partners in the response against Ebola including WHO and UNICEF.

            These contacts are people "who will present the disease and spread the epidemic in the city.We must search all these people there and monitor them closely," said Dr. Kitenge, calling the entire community to collaborate with the teams of the riposte in order to find these contacts.

            "Ebola is in our walls, we need to take this threat seriously, we all have to go out and kick Ebola," he said.
            ...
            "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


            • Translation Google

              Worry in Komanda after 11 positive cases of Ebola

              Kinshasa12-12-2018 Health - The provincial government is looking into whether the Komanda the Isolation Center could be set up to become the treatment center for treatment.

              The provincial government of Ituri is concerned about the health situation in the city of Komanda where 11 positive cases of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) are registered, said Vice Governor of Ituri Pacific Keta Upar after a provincial coordination meeting to fight Ebola.

              In front of this alarming situation, declared Pacific Keta Upar, it is necessary on the one hand a campaign of vaccination against this disease to face the scale of the contacts and on the other hand, to put in place strategies in relation to the recorded resistances of which the last, dated back to last weekend in the locality of Walese Vonkutu where vaccinators have been thrown stones.

              We need the involvement of the customary authorities so that we can contain this epidemic. There is an operational team that is now based in Komanda to get results as soon as possible and especially to reactivate the checkpoints for the temperature and the recordings so that cases coming from North Kivu are really well filtered to allow us to take certain measures, "he said.

              A treatment center in Komanda

              In addition, Pacific Keta announced that the provincial government is considering whether the Komanda the Isolation Center could be developed to become the treatment center for the management of positive cases through support. partners of the Government of the Republic.

              In the meantime, he said, the positive cases are transferred to the city of Beni in North Kivu province for their medical care. Finally, he called on his constituents to strictly respect the preventive measures and the provisions of the dignified and safe burial of those who died of Ebola.


              ACP

              https://www.digitalcongo.net/article...b8900043a7370/
              "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


              • Translation Google
                DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR DISEASE CONTROL
                EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION IN THE PROVINCES OF NORTH KIVU AND ITURI

                Wednesday, December 12, 2018


                The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 11 December 2018 :
                • Since the beginning of the epidemic, the cumulative number of cases is 505, of which 457 are confirmed and 48 are probable. In total, there were 298 deaths (250 confirmed and 48 probable) and 175 people healed.
                • 100 suspected cases under investigation.
                • 5 new confirmed cases, including 2 in Katwa, 1 in Komanda, 1 in Musienene and 1 in Mabalako.
                • 9 new deaths of confirmed cases, including 6 in Beni, 1 in Butembo, 1 in Katwa (community deaths) and 1 in Mabalako.
                • 3 new people healed out of Butembo CTE.




                /! \ The data presented in this table is subject to further changes after thorough investigation and after redistribution of cases and deaths in their health areas.

                Remarks:
                • To avoid that the total number of cases varies (up or down) daily, the suspect cases have been placed in a separate category. Thus, suspect cases with positive laboratory tests will be added to the confirmed category, while negative ones (non-cases) will be removed from the table.
                • The probable case category includes all reported deaths for which it was not possible to obtain biological samples for laboratory confirmation. The investigations will determine whether these deaths are related to the epidemic or not.
                • A community death is a death in the community, outside of a licensed health center.
                News of the response

                Alerts Notification in Goma
                • An alert has been notified to the Rutshuru General Referral Hospital. The victim died in hospital after presenting bleeding signs. A sample was taken and the result of the laboratory test was negative.
                • Contacts of a confirmed case of Beni traveling to Goma : The surveillance teams in Goma were looking for six people, three adults and three children, who had been in contact with a confirmed case of Beni. Before receiving the results of the laboratory tests of their deceased relative in Benithese six contacts had started for Goma, traveling in two separate groups. They had to go to relatives living in Mabanga South, a district of Goma. A mother and her two children were found at Kanyabayonga on Tuesday, December 11, 2018, and agreed to return to Beni to complete their 21-day follow-up period. The second group of travelers, consisting of the other two adults with the third child, arrived in South Mabanga on the night of Tuesday, December 11th. The child had a fever and the three people were immediately transferred to the Goma Ebola Treatment Center to perform the necessary tests. The laboratory test being negative,

                Vaccination
                • Continued wide-belt vaccination (or ring plus) in Otomaber (in Komanda Health Zone) and Aloya (in Mabalako Health Zone).
                • Since the start of vaccination on August 8, 2018, 45,020 people have been vaccinated , don t 18,638 in Beni, 7,765 in Katwa, 4,930 in Mabalako, 4,276 in Butembo, 2,108 in Kalunguta, 1,663 in Mandima, 791 in Vuhovi, 750 in Masereka , 700 in Lubero, 633 in Komanda, 627 in Oicha, 599 in Mutwanga, 434 in Bunia, 361 in Kyondo, 355 in Tchomia, 314 in Musienene, 63 in Alimbongo, and 13 in Kisangani.



                ...
                "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


                • Source: https://www.who.int/csr/don/13-Decem...-ebola-drc/en/
                  Ebola virus disease ? Democratic Republic of the Congo

                  Disease outbreak news: Update
                  13 December 2018

                  The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is occurring in an unforgiving context. Non-engagement from communities and conflict continue to hamper response activities in some affected areas. Moreover, poor infection prevention and control (IPC) practices across numerous private and public health centers remain a major source of amplification of the outbreak and risk to health and other frontline workers.
                  Despite these challenges, substantial progress has been made on multiple fronts to address the situation, and daily successes are being observed in the implementation of proven public health measures alongside newer tools, such as vaccination and novel therapeutics. Together with the Ministry of Health (MoH) and our partners, WHO is further scaling up our response to the developing situation. WHO especially emphasizes the need to continuously improve quality, judiciously deploy new tools at our disposal, and sustain international commitment to response efforts well into 2019. Nonetheless, we remain confident the outbreak can be brought to a conclusion.
                  During the reporting period (5 through 11 December 2018), 37 new cases were reported from 10 health zones in North Kivu and Ituri provinces: Katwa and Butembo (18), Beni (seven), Mabalako (four), Oicha (three), as well as one case each in Komanda, Kyondo, Mandima, Musienene and Vuhovi. Four new infections of health workers have been reported in Musienene, Katwa and Butembo health zones. In total, 51 (49 confirmed and two probable) health workers have been infected to date, of whom 17 have died. Twenty-three additional survivors were discharged from Ebola treatment centres (ETCs) and reintegrated into their communities. A total of 177 patients have recovered to date.
                  As of 11 December, 505 EVD cases (457 confirmed and 48 probable), including 296 deaths, have been reported in 12 health zones in North Kivu Province and three health zones in Ituri Province (Figure 1). These zones represent a mix of densely populated urban areas and remote villages, each bringing a variety of factors driving transmission and posing different challenges. Trends in case incidence (Figure 2) reflect the continuation of the outbreak across these geographically dispersed areas, with an average of 33 new cases reported each week since mid-October. Although there has been a general decrease in the intensity of transmission in Beni in recent weeks, the outbreak is intensifying in Butembo and Katwa, and new clusters are emerging elsewhere. At present, the situation remains concerning.
                  The very high risk of further geographical spread of the outbreak was highlighted this week by the movement of several contacts of confirmed cases from Beni to Kisangani and Goma. All of these contacts were rapidly traced, and have since returned to Beni where they will complete their 21 day follow-up. Several alerts of potential cases were also received from Goma, and towns between Goma and Butembo. These individuals were promptly isolated, reported and tested negative for EVD. Preparedness and operational readiness activities in other areas of North Kivu and Ituri provinces, other provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and neighbouring counties, must continue to be upscaled to rapidly detect and respond to any potential cases.
                  Figure 1: Confirmed and probable Ebola virus disease cases by health zone in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, Democratic Republic of the Congo, data as of 11 December 2018 (n=505)




                  Figure 2: Confirmed and probable Ebola virus disease cases by week of illness onset, data as of 11 December 2018 (n=504)*




                  *Data in recent weeks are subject to delays in case confirmation and reporting, as well as ongoing data cleaning ? trends during this period should be interpreted cautiously.
                  Public health response

                  The MoH continues to strengthen response measures, with support from WHO and partners. Priorities include coordination, surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory capacity, IPC, clinical management of patients, vaccination, risk communication and community engagement, psychosocial support, safe and dignified burials (SDB), cross-border surveillance, and preparedness activities in neighbouring provinces and countries. Infection prevention and control practices in health care facilities, especially antenatal clinics, need to be further strengthened.
                  For detailed information about the public health response actions by WHO and partners, please refer to the latest situation reports published by the WHO Regional Office for Africa:
                  WHO risk assessment

                  This outbreak of EVD is affecting north-eastern provinces of the country bordering Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. Potential risk factors for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels include: travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries; the internal displacement of populations. The country is concurrently experiencing other epidemics (e.g. cholera, vaccine-derived poliomyelitis, malaria), and a long-term humanitarian crisis. Additionally, the security situation in North Kivu and Ituri at times limits the implementation of response activities. WHO?s risk assessment for the outbreak is currently very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low. WHO continues to advice against any restriction of travel to, and trade with, the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on currently available information.
                  As the risk of national and regional spread is very high, it is important for neighbouring provinces and countries to enhance surveillance and preparedness activities. The International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) Emergency Committee has advised that failing to intensify these preparedness and surveillance activities would lead to worsening conditions and further spread. WHO will continue to work with neighbouring countries and partners to ensure that health authorities are alerted and are operationally prepared to respond.
                  WHO advice

                  International traffic: WHO advises against any restriction of travel and trade to the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on the currently available information. There is currently no licensed vaccine to protect people from the Ebola virus. Therefore, any requirements for certificates of Ebola vaccination are not a reasonable basis for restricting movement across borders or the issuance of visas for passengers leaving the Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO continues to closely monitor and, if necessary, verify travel and trade measures in relation to this event. Currently, no country has implemented travel measures that significantly interfere with international traffic to and from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travellers should seek medical advice before travel and should practice good hygiene.
                  For more information, see:



                  1The number of cases is subject to change due to ongoing reclassification, retrospective investigation, and the availability of laboratory results.

                  Comment


                  • Translation Google
                    DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR DISEASE CONTROL
                    EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION IN THE PROVINCES OF NORTH KIVU AND ITURI

                    Saturday, December 15, 2018


                    The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 14 December 2018 :
                    • Since the beginning of the epidemic, the cumulative number of cases is 529, 481 confirmed and 48 probable. In total, there were 311 deaths (263 confirmed and 48 probable) and 183 people cured.
                    • 96 suspected cases under investigation.
                    • 8 new confirmed cases, including 4 in Mabalako, 2 in Katwa, 1 in Kalunguta, and 1 in Komanda.
                    • 5 new confirmed cases, including 2 in Mabalako, 1 in Komanda, 1 in Katwa and 1 in Beni. All are community deaths, except that of Beni.
                    • 1 new person healed out of CTE de Beni.




                    /! \ The data presented in this table is subject to further changes after thorough investigation and after redistribution of cases and deaths in their health areas.

                    Remarks:
                    • To avoid that the total number of cases varies (up or down) daily, the suspect cases have been placed in a separate category. Thus, suspect cases with positive laboratory tests will be added to the confirmed category, while negative ones (non-cases) will be removed from the table.
                    • The probable case category includes all reported deaths for which it was not possible to obtain biological samples for laboratory confirmation. The investigations will determine whether these deaths are related to the epidemic or not.
                    • A community death is a death in the community, outside of a licensed health center.
                    News of the response

                    Campaign "Family Without Ebola"
                    • Bishop Sikuli Paluku, the bishop of the Butembo-Beni diocese, launched the "Family Without Ebola" campaign throughout the district of Butembo-Beni. This project is part of the "Ebola Pas Chez Moi" citizen campaign launched by Beni students last October.
                    • In a statement issued Friday, December 14, 2018, the bishop calls all Catholic faithful to protect themselves to protect their neighbors and their community. He particularly emphasized the importance of youth engagement in the Ebola response. Inspired by the passage in the first letter of St. Paul the Apostle to Timothy, chapter 4, verse 12, he reminded the youth that they are not only the future of the country. They are present. The bright future of the DRC will not happen without them.
                    • Bishop Sikuli Paluku also invited all the priests and other religious leaders to increase awareness during liturgical and pariturgical celebrations. He regretted that, despite the efforts of the response teams, the epidemiological situation remained alarming and the epidemic continued to spread because of the members of the population who refused to apply the hygienic prescriptions. He strongly condemned "the inhuman and cruel mischief" of all those who verbally or physically attacked the response teams and the pastoral agents involved in the outreach. He also denounced those who desecrated the graves by digging up people who had died of Ebola and some of whom ended up being infected.
                    • Religious leaders in the affected areas have been involved in sensitizing the population since the beginning of the epidemic. Monsignor Sikuli Paluku has personally engaged in sensitizing the population by agreeing to be vaccinated and regularly denouncing the hostile behavior that has caused the spread of the epidemic.


                    Vaccination
                    • Continued wide-belt vaccination (or ring plus) in Otomaber (in Komanda Health Zone) and Aloya (in Mabalako Health Zone).
                    • Continued immunization of primary care providers in the Goma Health Zone.
                    • Since the start of vaccination on 8 August 2018, 46,887 people have been vaccinated , including 18,855 in Beni, 8,438 in Katwa, 5,036 in Mabalako, 4,606 in Butembo, 2,178 in Kalunguta, 1,663 in Mandima, 791 in Vuhovi, 750 in Masereka. , 724 in Komanda, 700 in Lubero, 627 in Oicha, 599 in Mutwanga, 511 in Kyondo, 434 in Bunia, 355 in Tchomia, 344 in Musienene, 117 in Goma, 70 in Biena, 63 in Alimbongo, 13 in Karisimbi and 13 in Kisangani.



                    ...
                    "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


                    • Source: https://www.who.int/csr/don/20-decem...-ebola-drc/en/
                      Ebola virus disease ? Democratic Republic of the Congo

                      Disease outbreak news: Update
                      20 December 2018

                      Responding to the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to be a complex challenge. Pockets of community reluctance and the conflict setting continue to obstruct activities in some affected areas. Additional challenges may also be anticipated during the ongoing election period, which may lead to heightened political tension, a deterioration of the overall security situation and violent civil unrest; presenting an indirect threat to the Ebola response operations.
                      Despite these difficulties, meaningful progress has been made across the outbreak affected areas, most especially in Beni where there has been a general decrease in case incidence in recent weeks. The control of the outbreak there, and previously in the city of Mangina, demonstrates how the outbreak can be controlled when response activities can be scaled and implemented with the participation of local communities. While the Ministry of Health (MoH), WHO and partners work toward similar progress in Katwa, Butembo and other emerging clusters, we must acknowledge the unique challenges arising from each geographical area. The introduction, acceptance and resulting impact of interventions on the epidemiology of the outbreak will take time. Response teams continue to adapt and scale up the application of evidence-based public health measures and innovative tools.
                      Currently, the outbreak remains active across a geographically dispersed area covering fourteen health zones in North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Over the last 21 days (27 November ? 18 December 2018), 114 new confirmed cases have been reported, from: Katwa (31), Beni (18), Komanda (17), Butembo (14), Mabalako (14), Kalunguta (5), Oicha (4), Vuhovi (3), Kyondo (3), Biena (1), Mandima (1), Masereka (1), Musienene (1), and Mutawanga (1). Only Tchomia Health Zone has not confirmed any new cases since the cluster was detected in mid-August. Amplification of the outbreak within these areas has been driven by a combination of social/community transmission and transmission within private and public health centres. In the past week, two new infections of health workers have been reported ? 55 (53 confirmed and two probable) health workers have been infected to date, of whom 19 have died.
                      Cumulatively as of 18 December, 549 EVD cases (501 confirmed and 48 probable), including 326 deaths (case fatality ratio 59%), have been reported in 12 health zones in North Kivu Province and three health zones in Ituri Province (Figure 1). Overall trends in case incidence (Figure 2) reflect the continuation of the outbreak across these areas, with an average of 35 new cases reported each week since mid-October.
                      Small but meaningful victories continue to be won with the discharge of survivors from Ebola Treatment Centres (ETCs); aided by more timely admissions to ETC and use of Ebola therapeutics together with supportive care measures. In the past week, 18 additional patients were discharged from ETCs. Overall, 193 patients have recovered to date.
                      While all credible alerts outside of the abovementioned affected areas have tested negative for EVD to date, there remains a very high risk of further geographical spread within North Kivu and Ituri, to other provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and to neighbouring countries. Preparedness and operational readiness activities across these areas must continue to be scaled-up to mitigate this risk, and rapidly detect and respond to any potential cases.
                      Figure 1: Confirmed and probable Ebola virus disease cases by health zone in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, Democratic Republic of the Congo, data as of 18 December 2018 (n=549)




                      Figure 2: Confirmed and probable Ebola virus disease cases by week of illness onset, data as of 18 December 2018 (n=549)*




                      *Data in recent weeks are subject to delays in case confirmation and reporting, as well as ongoing data cleaning ? trends during this period should be interpreted cautiously.
                      Public health response

                      The MoH continues to strengthen response measures, with support from WHO and partners. Priorities include coordination, surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory capacity, infection prevention and control (IPC), clinical management of patients, vaccination, risk communication and community engagement, psychosocial support, safe and dignified burials (SDB), cross-border surveillance, and preparedness activities in neighbouring provinces and countries. Infection prevention and control practices in health care facilities, especially antenatal clinics, need to be further strengthened.
                      For detailed information about the public health response actions by WHO and partners, please refer to the latest situation reports published by the WHO Regional Office for Africa:
                      WHO risk assessment

                      This outbreak of EVD is affecting north-eastern provinces of the country bordering Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. Potential risk factors for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels include: travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries; the internal displacement of populations. The country is concurrently experiencing other epidemics (e.g. cholera, vaccine-derived poliomyelitis, malaria), and a long-term humanitarian crisis. Additionally, the security situation in North Kivu and Ituri at times limits the implementation of response activities. WHO?s risk assessment for the outbreak is currently very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low. WHO continues to advice against any restriction of travel to, and trade with, the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on currently available information.
                      As the risk of national and regional spread is very high, it is important for neighbouring provinces and countries to enhance surveillance and preparedness activities. The International Health Regulations (IHR 2005) Emergency Committee has advised that failing to intensify these preparedness and surveillance activities would lead to worsening conditions and further spread. WHO will continue to work with neighbouring countries and partners to ensure that health authorities are alerted and are operationally prepared to respond.
                      WHO advice

                      International traffic: WHO advises against any restriction of travel and trade to the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on the currently available information. There is currently no licensed vaccine to protect people from the Ebola virus. Therefore, any requirements for certificates of Ebola vaccination are not a reasonable basis for restricting movement across borders or the issuance of visas for passengers leaving the Democratic Republic of the Congo. WHO continues to closely monitor and, if necessary, verify travel and trade measures in relation to this event. Currently, no country has implemented travel measures that significantly interfere with international traffic to and from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Travellers should seek medical advice before travel and should practice good hygiene.
                      For more information, see:



                      1The number of cases is subject to change due to ongoing reclassification, retrospective investigation, and the availability of laboratory results.

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                      • Translation Google
                        DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR DISEASE CONTROL
                        EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION IN THE PROVINCES OF NORTH KIVU AND ITURI

                        Saturday, December 22, 2018


                        The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 21 December 2018 :
                        • Since the beginning of the epidemic, the cumulative number of cases is 567, of which 519 are confirmed and 48 are probable. In total, there were 347 deaths (299 confirmed and 48 probable) and 197 people cured.
                        • 113 suspected cases under investigation.
                        • 4 new confirmed cases, including 2 in Beni, 1 in Komanda and 1 in Katwa.
                        • 4 new confirmed cases, 2 in Butembo, 1 in Beni (1 community death) and 1 in Komanda (1 community death).
                        • 2 new people healed out of Butembo CTE.




                        /! \ The data presented in this table is subject to further changes after thorough investigation and after redistribution of cases and deaths in their health areas.

                        Remarks:
                        • To avoid that the total number of cases varies (up or down) daily, the suspect cases have been placed in a separate category. Thus, suspect cases with positive laboratory tests will be added to the confirmed category, while negative ones (non-cases) will be removed from the table.
                        • The probable case category includes all reported deaths for which it was not possible to obtain biological samples for laboratory confirmation. The investigations will determine whether these deaths are related to the epidemic or not.
                        • A community death is a death in the community, outside of a licensed health center.
                        News of the response

                        Evolution of the epidemic
                        • All 99 contacts in the Mutwanga Health Zone came out of the 21-day follow-up period. Only three confirmed cases, two of which died, were reported in this health zone. In all three cases, these were people from Beni who had traveled to Mutwanga either to avoid follow-up of contacts or to seek treatment. These sporadic cases have not led to the spread of the epidemic on a larger scale in this area thanks to rapid intervention by response teams to isolate patients, identify and track contacts, vaccinate identified contacts and front-line service providers, decontaminate residential and treatment sites, and bury the dead in a dignified and secure manner.
                        • The epidemiological situation has improved significantly in the health zone of Beni,which has reported 4 new confirmed cases in the last 7 days. The highest peak in Beni was reached during the week of October 15, 2018, during which 26 new confirmed cases were reported.
                        • However, the situation remains worrying in the health zones of Butembo, Katwa and Komanda, which are the main hot spots of the epidemic.





                        Vaccination
                        • Continued wide -belt vaccination (or ring plus) in Otomaber (in Komanda Health Zone) and Aloya (in Mabalako Health Zone).
                        • Continued immunization of primary care providers in the Goma Health Zone.
                        • Since the start of vaccination on 8 August 2018, 50,945 people have been vaccinated , including 19,147 in Beni, 9,729 in Katwa, 5,478 in Butembo, 5,261 in Mabalako, 2,258 in Kalunguta, 1,663 in Mandima, 1,047 in Komanda, 884 in Oicha, 791 in Vuhovi, 750 in Masereka, 700 in Lubero, 687 in Goma, 659 in Kyondo, 599 in Mutwanga, 434 in Bunia, 355 in Tchomia, 344 in Musienene, 70 in Biena, 63 in Alimbongo, 13 in Karisimbi and 13 in Kisangani.
                        • The only vaccine to be used in this outbreak is the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, manufactured by the pharmaceutical group Merck, following approval by the Ethics Committee in its decision of 19 May 2018.



                        ...
                        "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

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                        • Translation Google

                          Ebola: About 20 suspects escape from Beni transit center

                          Posted the game, 27/12/2018 - 17:25 | Changed the game, 27/12/2018 - 18:31

                          Twenty people suspected of being infected with Ebola escaped on Thursday (December 27th) from a transit center in Beni, North Kivu, where they were under observation. The center was targeted by protesters protesting the postponement of presidential and legislative elections in the area.

                          "The center was attacked by groups of young people who arrived on all sides. They forced the doors. They took a few tables, some small equipment, tarpaulins and chairs that they took away, they traumatized all the patients who were inside, "said Dr. Justus Nsio, the deputy coordinator of the Ebola response in the provinces. North Kivu and Ituri.

                          "The attacked center is not the treatment center where the confirmed Ebola cases are, but rather the transit center where all the suspected cases of Ebola are," said Dr. Nsio.

                          People suspected of contracting the Ebola virus are admitted to this center pending the results of laboratory tests. The response teams will pick them up at their respective addresses when the situation gets calm again, promised Dr. Nsio.

                          "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


                          • DIRECTORATE GENERAL FOR DISEASE CONTROL
                            EPIDEMIOLOGICAL SITUATION IN THE PROVINCES OF NORTH KIVU AND ITURI

                            Thursday 27 December 2018


                            The epidemiological situation of the Ebola Virus Disease dated 26 December 2018 :
                            • Since the beginning of the epidemic, the cumulative number of cases is 591, of which 543 are confirmed and 48 are probable. In total, there were 357 deaths (309 confirmed and 48 probable) and 203 people healed.
                            • 12 suspected cases under investigation.
                              • The surveillance activities by the Beni and Butembo teams were severely limited on Thursday 27 December 2018 following protests by the population. Thus, very few alerts could be investigated.
                            • 6 new confirmed cases, including 2 in Kalunguta, 2 in Oicha, 1 in Beni and 1 in Komanda.
                            • 1 new case death confirmed in Beni (community death).
                            • 2 new people healed out of Butembo CTE.




                            /! \ The data presented in this table is subject to further changes after thorough investigation and after redistribution of cases and deaths in their health areas.

                            Remarks:
                            • To avoid that the total number of cases varies (up or down) daily, the suspect cases have been placed in a separate category. Thus, suspect cases with positive laboratory tests will be added to the confirmed category, while negative ones (non-cases) will be removed from the table.
                            • The probable case category includes all reported deaths for which it was not possible to obtain biological samples for laboratory confirmation. The investigations will determine whether these deaths are related to the epidemic or not.
                            • A community death is a death in the community, outside of a licensed health center.
                            News of the response

                            Beni Transit Center
                            • On Thursday, December 27, 2018, protesters vandalized facilities inside the Beni Transit Center compound where suspicious cases awaiting laboratory test results are being handled. It was not the Ebola Treatment Center in which confirmed cases are treated and isolated.
                            • The extent of the material damage is being evaluated. The tents in which the teams in charge of dignified and safe burials meet were partially burned. Protesters also stole some chairs, tables and tarpaulins at the Transit Center. Some electrical and sanitary facilities at the Transit Center have been damaged rendering the Center non-functional at this time.
                            • When the protesters arrived, 24 suspected cases were treated at the Transit Center. Of these patients, three were in serious condition and could not leave their bed at the time of the disorders. After the protesters left, they were transferred to the Ebola Treatment Center (ETC) to await the outcome of their lab tests.
                            • Of the 21 suspected cases that left the Transit Center, 17 had already been tested negative for Ebola the first time and were waiting for the second lab test before being discharged. The remaining 4 patients had already been collected and were waiting for the results of their first laboratory test.
                            • The medical teams are in contact with the families of patients who have left the Transit Center. Later in the afternoon, 11 patients returned on their own and were placed in additional tents installed at the Ebola Treatment Center to accommodate them. Although these patients are still traumatized by the events that occurred in the morning, they came back because they understand that a fast and adequate care will increase their chance of survival if they prove to be infected by the Ebola virus. .
                            • Since the Beni laboratory was not operational today, patients will receive the results of their laboratory test the next day if the security situation allows it. This will help unload the non-cases (the people whose tests have come back negative) and accommodate the new suspected cases.

                            Activities of the response to Beni and Butembo
                            • The activities of the response to Beni and Butembo have been severely disrupted following the demonstrations of the population. The majority of the teams were unable to deploy in both cities but were able to work remotely with local health workers who maintained minimal field activity.
                            • No vaccination activities took place in the health zones covered by the Beni and Butembo vaccination teams.
                            • The community-based surveillance system and local health workers identified 29 alerts in Beni, of which 24 were investigated. Following these investigations, five new suspected cases were admitted to the CTE of Beni. In Butembo, a small number of alerts could be investigated and some suspect cases were admitted to the ETC.
                            • At the level of the support, the Transit Center of Beni is not operational for the moment but the CTE could function normally. In Butembo, the CTE was also operational but with a reduced number of caregivers.
                            • No dignified and secure burial (EDS) has been performed in the health zones covered by the EDS teams in Beni and Butembo.
                            • The Beni laboratory was not functional today while the Butembo laboratory managed to test some samples in the afternoon.
                            • The Butembo Ebola Response Coordinator, Dr. Jean-Christophe Shako, participated in an outreach activity of the Catholic Youth Union. Organized by the Bishop of the diocese of Butembo-Beni, Monsignor Melchisedec Sikuli Paluku, the training session was under the theme of "Family without Ebola". Nearly 300 young Catholics have been trained on Ebola and have been invited to accompany the activities of the response and raise awareness in their community.

                            Vaccination
                            • Further wide-belt vaccination (or ring plus) in Otomaber locality (in Komanda health zone) and Aloya (in Mabalako health zone).
                            • Continued immunization of primary care providers in the Goma Health Zone.
                            • Since vaccination began on 8 August 2018, 53,523 people have been vaccinated, including 19,363 in Beni, 10,761 in Katwa, 5,875 in Butembo, 5,377 in Mabalako, 2,258 in Kalunguta, 1,663 in Mandima, 1,207 in Komanda, 1,009 in Oicha, 942 in Goma, 791 in Vuhovi, 750 in Masereka, 700 in Lubero, 659 in Kyondo, 599 in Mutwanga, 434 in Bunia, 394 in Musienene, 355 in Tchomia, 167 in Nyankunde, 70 in Biena, 63 in Alimbongo, 13 in Karisimbi and 13 in Kisangani.
                            • The only vaccine to be used in this outbreak is the rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, manufactured by the pharmaceutical group Merck, following approval by the Ethics Committee in its decision of 19 May 2018.



                            ...
                            "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

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                            • Translation Google

                              Bishop Sikuli PALUKU condemns the postponement of elections in Beni and Butembo

                              Posted on: 27/12/2018 at 17h46min08s

                              By Radio Moto Butembo-Beni

                              Bishop Sikuli PALUKU condemns the postponement of elections in Beni and Butembo

                              He expressed his position in his speech at the Young Catholic Leaders Session of UJC Butembo-Beni on Thursday, December 27th. In his speech, the Bishop of Butembo-Beni deplored the impact of Ebola while the efforts made contributed to the gradual eradication of the disease. It is in this logic that he condemned the postponement of elections in Beni and Butembo.

                              "Do we know the impact of this measure on the Ebola expansion? Is there any effect that this measure could have on the spread of Ebola? Are we really measuring the effects of depriving our inalienable right of a population that, for years, precisely since October 2013, feels abandoned in the face of insecurity characterized in particular by the massacres of at least 2000 people despite the presence a deployed military arsenal? Asks the ordinary of the place.

                              The Pastor of the Church of Butembo-Beni stresses that the measure of the CENI will have adverse consequences on the life of the population. "If it was really Ebola, how do you understand and explain that this measure of the CENI is only taken against Butembo and Beni city and territory? Can we ignore that this disease, as well as the sad and painful consequences of persistent insecurity, affect populations through family, work or internal mobility for survival, beyond the targeted entities? He asked himself.

                              In sum, Monsignor SIKULI PALUKU Melchisedech invites the CENI to measure all the consequences of his decision. She defies the electoral center by the fact that her branches that are in the diocese had never alerted to the risks of organizing the election campaign that has already gone well, and elections in this country affected by Ebola. "We also do not forget that Ebola persists because of insecurity," said Monsignor SIKULI.


                              Posted on: 27/12/2018 at 17h46min08s
                              By Radio Moto Butembo-Beni

                              "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


                              • Protests as Congo leader warns of Ebola vote ?disaster?

                                By SALEH MWANAMILONGO
                                18 minutes ago

                                KINSHASA, Congo (AP) ? Congo?s leader is blaming a deadly Ebola virus outbreak for the last-minute decision to keep an estimated 1 million voters from the polls in Sunday?s long-delayed presidential election, claiming it would be a ?disaster? if someone infects scores or hundreds of others. Protests exploded for a second day on Friday in response as health workers suspended efforts and warned that new cases could rise.

                                In an interview with The Associated Press, President Joseph Kabila contradicted his own health officials and experts with the World Health Organization, who have said precautions were taken in collaboration with electoral authorities so people could vote. Those include tons of hand sanitizer ? Ebola is spread via infected bodily fluids ? and the screening of all voters entering polling stations.

                                Kabila in his comments Thursday evening claimed that Ebola could spread as people use voting machines, which require tapping on a touchscreen to select candidates. A polling station could have 500 to 600 voters and ?this assumes that a lot of people will be contaminated,? he said. Health officials have said voters would sanitize their hands before and after voting.
                                ...
                                The uproar over the voting delay has ?badly disturbed? Ebola response work in Beni and Butembo, Congo?s health ministry said. Health teams could barely deploy on Thursday and no Ebola vaccinations could be carried out, it said.

                                The Oxfam aid organization said it was forced to suspend its Ebola response work. Acting country director Raphael Mbuyi called the situation ?extremely worrying? because previous suspensions have led to a spike in new cases.

                                Mbuyi added, however, ?it?s not surprising that people who have had their votes taken away at the last minute are frustrated and going to the streets. These people deserve to have their say as well.?
                                ...
                                Protests have erupted in Congo after some 1 million people were barred from voting in Sunday's presidential election because of an Ebola virus outbreak.
                                "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

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