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DRC - Ebola outbreak detected in western DRC, near Mbandaka, equateur province - June 1, 2020 - 128 cases, 53 deaths

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  • #31
    WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
    AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
    Week 33: 10 - 16 August 2020
    Data as reported by: 17:00; 16 August 2020

    ...
    Ebola virus disease
    Democratic Republic of the Congo
    (?quateur Province
    )

    88 Cases
    36 Deaths
    40.9% CFR


    EVENT DESCRIPTION

    The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in ?quateur Province, Democratic
    Republic of the Congo, continues to see rising numbers of confirmed
    cases and geographical spread, with 30 health areas in 10 health zones
    affected. Since our last report (Weekly Bulletin 32), another nine additional
    confirmed EVD cases have been reported, and three new deaths. As of
    15 August 2020 no new confirmed cases have been detected for the
    second consecutive day, with no new deaths among confirmed cases. The
    health area of Lyembe Moke in Bikoro Health Zone, Bosomondomba in
    Bolomba Health Zone and Butela in Iboko Health Zone have not reported
    new confirmed cases for 42 days, with the last confirmed case reported
    on 4 July 2020.

    As of 15 August 2020, there are a total of 88 cases (84 confirmed and four
    probable) including 36 deaths (case fatality ratio 41.8%). The case fatality
    ratio among confirmed cases is 38.1% (32 deaths/84 confirmed cases).
    The number of health workers affected remains at three, making up 3.4%
    of all cases. The number of health areas that have reported at least one
    confirmed or probable case of EVD since the start of this outbreak has
    risen to 30, in 10 of the 18 health zones in the province. In the past 21 days
    (26 July to 15 August 2020), 21 confirmed cases have been reported in 14
    health areas across eight health zones.

    No new contacts were listed on 15 August 2020 out of the four out of
    eight health zones reporting. contacts, with seven new contacts listed all
    from the Bolomoba Health Zone as of 8 August 2020. Lolanga Mampoko
    and Mbandaka did not transmit contact data. Of 3 327 active contacts
    listed, 3 160 (95%) were followed-up. Of the 60 unseen contacts for whom
    information was available, eight (13.3%) had never been seen, five (8.3%)
    were lost to follow-up and the remaining 47 (78.4%) had not been seen in
    the previous 24 hours. To date, no contacts have completed their follow-up
    period, while 24 have become symptomatic, including 19 in Bikoro, three
    in Ingende and two in Lotumbe. A total of 394 new alerts were raised on
    15 August 2020, with most (229; 58.1%) in Bikoro (n=133) and Bolomba
    (n=96). Only five out of the 10 affected health zones reported data,
    including Mbandaka, which usually reports the most daily alerts. A total of
    422 alerts were reported on 15 August 2020, of which 376 (89.1%) were
    investigated and 120 (31.9%) were validated, with 71 (59.2%) sampled.

    PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

    A strike of response providers is underway in the health zones of
    Bolenge, Mbandaka and Wangata in the city of Mbandaka.
    On 15 August 2020, all 33/40 active PoCs reported. A total of 19 600
    travellers passed through these PoCs and 16 17 048 (87%) were
    screened. Since the start of the response activities, 614 887 (91.3%)
    screenings have been performed among the 673 145 travellers who
    have passed through the active PoCs. Out of these 71 alerts have been
    detected, with 37 validated.

    As of 15 August 2020, 246 samples were received in operational
    laboratories; 96 in Bikoro, 69 in Mbandaka, 54 in Itipo and 27 in
    Bolomba. Since the start of the outbreak a total of 3 618 samples have
    been tested.

    A total of 170 new people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP on 15
    August 2020, including 22 high risk contacts, 143 contacts of contacts
    and five probable contacts.

    Since 5 June 2020, a total of 22 468 people has been vaccinated.
    A total of 117 patients, including 10 confirmed patients were managed
    in the transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in affected areas as
    of 15 August 2020, with bed occupancy at 59.9% among suspected
    cases and 22.7% among confirmed cases. The treatment centres in
    Ikoko Bonginda and Ingende are over-capacity.

    A total of 15 patients have recieved specific EVD treatment since the
    start of this outbreak, with six (including on death) in Wangata, three
    in Bolomoba and two each in Bikoro, Ingende and Lilanga Bobangi.
    Five confirmed cases of EVD remain in the community, including three
    in Lotumbe and one each in Bikoro and Mbandaka.

    Thirteen alerts of community deaths have been received to date, but
    only five safe and dignified burials could be conducted; in Lobumbe
    Health Zone none of the six alerts received could be processed due to
    lack of transport.

    As of 15 August 2020, infection prevention and control (IPC) monitoring
    and support was provided at the Bolomba Home Base, as well as in
    two health facilities; prevention kits were distributed in Bikoro at the
    national primary school leaving test centre and in the state examination
    centres in Bikoro; additionally, nine households and one health facility
    were decontaminated in the Monieka and Lotumbe health zones.
    Risk communication, mobilization and community engagement
    continues, with 15 members of community action cells briefed on
    EVD prevention measures, with a public awareness communication
    on barrier measures against EVD and COVID-19 distributed at various
    churches and religious centres; a total of 4 392 households have been
    sensitized in affected areas.

    SITUATION INTERPRETATION

    The EVD outbreak in ?quateur Province continues to rise in case numbers and
    spread to new geographical areas
    , although Bikoro, Bolomba and Ibiko health
    zones have not reported any new confirmed cases for 42 days. Challenges
    include, insufficient funds for the response, along with too few people
    qualified in risk communication and community engagement, particularly in
    hotspot areas.
    Community resistance continues, specifically to sampling and
    general response measures and some travellers refusing screening at health
    checkpoints, partly because of poor security support and congestion at these
    points.
    Further actions are required to limit spread to other areas, along with
    intense community engagement with community leaders to prevent resistance
    to response activities and ensure that communities become fully engaged in
    response activities. Partners need urgently to address the issue of insufficient
    funds being available for response, particularly with the concentration of
    response efforts to COVID-19. It is vital to ensure that COVID-19 response
    actions do not detract from the response required for EVD.

    "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


    • #32
      Ebola epidemic in western DRC evolves worryingly, WHO says


      Sat, 22/08/2020

      The number of cases of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in western Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached 100, nearly doubling in just over five weeks, the office said on Friday (August 21). Regional Organization of the World Health Organization (WHO).


      This latest epidemic, the 11th in the DRC, was declared on June 1, 2020 in the province of Equateur. A cluster of cases was initially detected in Mbandaka, the provincial capital. Since then, the epidemic has spread to 11 of the 17 health zones in the province. Of the 100 cases reported to date, 96 are confirmed and four are probable. Forty-three people lost their lives.

      The epidemic presents significant logistical challenges, with affected communities spanning great distances into remote and densely forested areas of the province, which straddles the equator.

      At its widest points, the epidemic stretches some 300 kilometers, both from east to west and from north to south. It can take several days to reach affected populations, with responders and supplies often having to cross roadless areas, requiring long periods of boat transport.

      An Ebola outbreak occurred in the same province in May 2018 and was contained in less than three months, with 54 cases and 33 deaths recorded.

      "With 100 cases of Ebola in less than 100 days, the epidemic in Equateur province is developing worryingly," said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for the 'Africa. "The virus is spreading over a wide and rugged terrain that requires expensive interventions and, with Covid-19 consuming resources and attention, it is difficult to scale up operations."













      Le nombre de cas de l'?pid?mie d'Ebola en cours dans l'Ouest de la R?publique d?mocratique du Congo (RDC) a atteint 100, soit pr?s du double en un peu plus de cinq semaines, a indiqu? vendredi 21 ao?t, le bureau r?gional de l’Organisation mondiale de la sant? (OMS). Cette derni?re ?pid?mie, la 11e de la RDC, a ?t? d?clar?e le 1er juin 2020 dans la province de l'?quateur. Un
      ?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


      • #33

        WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
        AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
        Week 34: 17 - 23 August 2020
        Data as reported by: 17:00; 23 August 2020

        ...
        Ebola virus disease
        Democratic Republic of the Congo
        (?quateur Province)


        102 Cases
        44 Deaths
        43.1% CFR


        EVENT DESCRIPTION

        The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in ?quateur Province, Democratic
        Republic of the Congo, continues to see rising numbers of confirmed cases
        and geographical spread, with 34 health areas in 11 health zones affected.
        Since our last report (Weekly Bulletin 33), another 14 additional confirmed
        EVD cases have been reported, and three new deaths. However, as of 22
        August 2020, no new confirmed cases or deaths had been reported on
        that day. The continuation of the strike among response pillars means that
        there are low numbers of alerts reported, low numbers of samples tested
        and missing data for cases, contacts and alert investigation.

        As of 22 August 2020, there are a total of 102 cases (98 confirmed and four
        probable) including 44 deaths (case fatality ratio 43.1%). The case fatality
        ratio among confirmed cases is 40.8% (40 deaths/98 confirmed cases).
        The number of health workers affected remains at three, making up 2.9%
        of all cases. The number of health areas that have reported at least one
        confirmed or probable case of EVD since the start of this outbreak has
        risen to 34, in 11 of the 18 health zones in the province. In the past 21 days
        (2-22 August 2020), 29 confirmed cases have been reported in 16 health
        areas across eight health zones.

        Only four out of nine health zones with active contacts transmitted reports
        on 22 August 2020 and out of the 359 new contacts listed on this date,
        191 (53.2%) were from Ingende and 168 (46.8%) from Lotumbe. To date,
        4 053 (92.7%) of the 4 371 active contacts have been followed-up. Of
        the 323 contacts who have not been seen, 145 (44.9%) have never been
        followed-up, 95 (29.4%) were lost to follow-up and 83 (25.7%) had not
        been seen in the past 24 hours. In addition, 10 contacts have become
        symptomatic including five in Bikoro, four in Ingende and one in Bolomba.
        There were 376 new alerts on 22 August 2020, including eight deaths.
        Of these, 191 (50.8%) were from Bikoro (n=101) and Bolomoba (n=90)
        health zones. Of the 432 alerts recorded on that date, 328 (75.9%) were
        investigated and 91 (27.7%) were validated and 44 (48.4%) sampled.

        PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

        On 22 August 2020, all 20/42 active PoCs reported. A total of 12153
        travellers passed through these PoCs and 11 412 (93.9%) were
        screened. Since the start of the response activities, 704 008 (91.5%)
        screenings have been performed among the 769 216 travellers who
        have passed through the active PoCs. Out of these 81 alerts have been
        detected, with 49 validated.

        As of 22 August 2020, 64 samples were received in four operational
        laboratories; 33 in Mbandaka, 21 in Bikoro, eight in Bolomoba and two
        in Itipo. Since the start of the outbreak a total of 5 250 samples have
        been tested.

        A total of 273 new people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP on
        22 August 2020, in seven rings, including 84 high risk contacts, 168
        contacts of contacts and 21 probable contacts.

        Since 5 June 2020, a total of 23 628 people has been vaccinated.
        A total of 98 patients, including nine confirmed patients were managed
        in the transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in affected areas as
        of 22 August 2020, with bed occupancy at 50.3% among suspected
        cases and 20.5% among confirmed cases. The treatment centres in
        Bosomondomba, Lilanga Bobangi and Lotumbe are over-capacity.

        A total of 19 patients have received specific EVD treatment since the
        start of this outbreak, with six (including one death) in Wangata, three
        in Bolomoba and two each in Bikoro, Ingende and Lilanga Bobangi.

        Seven confirmed cases of EVD remain in the community, including four
        in Lotumbe and one each in Bikoro, Lolanga Mampoko and Mbandaka.
        Four community death alerts were recorded in Ingende (2), Bikoro (1)
        and Bolomba (1). Two safe and dignified burials were carried out and
        one of the deceased was sampled.

        As of 22 August 2020, infection prevention and control (IPC) monitoring
        and support activities included a working session on the identification
        and briefing of providers of safe and dignified burials in the Ingende
        Health Zone, with the support of Family Health International; two
        traditional practitioners were briefed on standard IPC precautions in
        the Lilanga Bobangi Health Zone; and decontamination activities were
        carried out in health facilities and households in Bikoro, Bolenge and
        Ingende. Follow-up support was provided in 14 health facilities, during
        with 59 providers were briefed in IPC topics.

        Risk communication, mobilization and community engagement
        continues, with community Action Committees (CAC) in Mbandaka
        briefed on community-based surveillance, with support from Oxfam;
        six women leaders were briefed on EVD prevention and awareness in
        Lotumbe Health Zone and 40 scholars and teachers from a primary
        school in Bikoro Health Zone, with community dialogue on risk
        perception related to EVD and COVID-19 organized in the Lilanga
        Bobangi Health Zone. Red Cross and CAC members have visited a total
        of 127759 households in affected health zones to date.

        SITUATION INTERPRETATION

        The EVD outbreak in ?quateur Province continues to show rising case
        numbers and spread to new geographical areas. Challenges remain around
        insufficient funds for the response, particularly given the risk of spread to new
        geographical areas, along with too few people qualified in risk communication
        and community engagement, particularly in hotspot areas. Community
        resistance continues, specifically to sampling and general response measures
        and some travelers refusing screening at health checkpoints, partly because
        of poor security support and congestion at these points.
        Further actions
        are required to limit spread to other areas, along with intense community
        engagement with community leaders to prevent resistance to response
        activities and ensure that communities become fully engaged in response
        activities. Surveillance activities at points of entry need to be strengthened.
        Partners need urgently to address the issue of insufficient funds being
        available for response, particularly with the concentration of response efforts
        to COVID-19.
        ...
        "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


        • #34
          WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
          AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
          Week 35: 24 - 30 August 2020

          Data as reported by: 17:00; 30 August 2020
          ...

          Ebola virus disease Democratic Republic of the Congo

          (?quateur Province)


          109 Cases
          47 Deaths
          43.1% CFR


          EVENT DESCRIPTION

          The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in ?quateur Province, Democratic
          Republic of the Congo, continues to see rising numbers of confirmed
          cases and geographical spread, with 34 health areas in 11 health zones
          affected. Since our last report (Weekly Bulletin 34), another five additional
          confirmed EVD cases have been reported, and three new deaths. A new
          case was confirmed in Bekungu in Monieka Health Zone on 29 August
          2020, which is a newly affected area. However, no new deaths have been
          reported among active confirmed cases.

          As of 29 August 2020, there are a total of 109 cases (103 confirmed and six
          probable) including 47 deaths (case fatality ratio 43.1%). The case fatality
          ratio among confirmed cases is 40.8% (40 deaths/98 confirmed cases).
          The number of health workers affected remains at three, making up 2.8%
          of all cases. The number of health areas that have reported at least one
          confirmed or probable case of EVD since the start of this outbreak has
          risen to 36, in 11 of the 18 health zones in the province. In the past 21 days
          (9-29 August 2020), 28 confirmed cases have been reported in 17 health
          areas across eight health zones.

          Only three out of nine health zones with active contacts transmitted
          reports on 29 August 2020, with 97 new contacts reported. Out of 3 817
          active contacts, 3 346 (87.7%) have been followed-up. Of the 340 contacts
          who were not seen, 47 (13.8%) have never been seen, 13 (3.8%) were
          lost to follow-up and 280 (82.4%) were not seen in the previous 24
          hours. Seventeen contacts became symptomatic in Bikoro (8), Bolenge
          (6), Ingende (2) and Lilanga Bobangi (1). On 29 August 2020, 486 alerts
          (including eight deaths) were reported from seven health zones. A total
          of 524 alerts were reported, of which 425 (81.1%) were validated and 58
          (35.5%) had samples sent.

          PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

          On 29 August 2020, all 19/46 active PoCs reported. A total of 27
          897 travellers passed through these PoCs and 24 984 (89.6%) were
          screened. Since the start of the response activities, 820 328 (91.4%)
          screenings have been performed among the 897 250 travellers who
          have passed through the active PoCs. Out of these 107 alerts have
          been detected, with 61 validated.

          As of 29 August 2020, 141 samples were received in four operational
          laboratories; 54 in Bikoro, 35 in Itipo, 35 in Mbandaka and 16 in
          Bolomba. Since the start of the outbreak a total of 5 968 samples have
          been tested.

          A total of 264 new people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP on
          29 August 2020, in seven rings, including 47 high risk contacts, 196
          contacts of contacts and 21 probable contacts.

          Since 5 June 2020, a total of 25 908 people has been vaccinated.
          A total of 98 patients, including nine confirmed patients were managed
          in the transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in affected areas as
          of 22 August 2020, with bed occupancy at 50.3% among suspected
          cases and 20.5% among confirmed cases. The treatment centres in
          Bosomondomba, Lilanga Bobangi and Lotumbe are over-capacity.
          A total of 22 patients have received specific EVD treatment since the
          start of this outbreak, with six (including one death) in Wangata, four
          in Lilanga Bobgani, three in Bolomoba and three each in Bikoro and
          Lotumbe, two in Ingende and one in Lolanga Mampoko.

          Six confirmed cases of EVD remain in the community, including four in
          Lotumbe and one each in Lolanga Mampoko and Mbandaka.

          No sampling of safe and dignified burial could be carried out for the
          only community death alert recorded on 29 August 2020 in Lotumbe
          Health Zone.

          As of 29 August 2020, infection prevention and control (IPC)
          monitoring and support activities included decontaminating one health
          facility, briefing five hygienists in the preparation of chlorine solution
          and follow-up and support activities in five further health facilities.

          Risk communication, mobilization and community engagement
          continues, with 75 people taking part in community engagement on
          risk perception in Botende health area, Bikoro Health Zone and eight
          community relays were briefed on the modes of transmission and
          prevention of EVD; community action committees and Red Cross
          volunteers visited 4 184 households to sensitize people on EVD.

          SITUATION INTERPRETATION

          The EVD outbreak in ?quateur Province continues to show rising case numbers
          and to spread to new geographical areas. There are still insufficient funds for
          the response, with inadequate human resources in community engagement
          and risk communication, particularly in hotspot areas. The capacity of Ebola
          treatment centres needs to be improved as case numbers rise. Strike action by
          responders has now continued for 18 days, due to non-payment of salaries,
          which needs to be urgently addressed and brought to a close. Partners need
          urgently to address the issue of insufficient funds and human resources being
          available for response, particularly with the concentration of response efforts
          to COVID-19.


          "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


          • #35
            WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
            AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
            Week 36: 31 August - 6 September 2020
            Data as reported by: 17:00; 6 September 2020
            ...
            Ebola virus disease
            Democratic Republic of the Congo
            (?quateur Province)

            112 Cases
            48 Deaths
            42.9% CFR


            EVENT DESCRIPTION

            The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in ?quateur Province, Democratic
            Republic of the Congo, continues to see rising numbers of confirmed
            cases and geographical spread, with 37 health areas in 12 health zones
            affected. Since our last report (Weekly Bulletin 35), another three additional
            confirmed EVD cases have been reported, and one new death.

            As of 5 September 2020, there are a total of 112 cases (106 confirmed
            and six probable) including 48 deaths (case fatality ratio 42.9%). The case
            fatality ratio among confirmed cases is 39.6% (42 deaths/106 confirmed
            cases). The number of health workers affected remains at three, making up
            2.7% of all cases. The number of health areas that have reported at least
            one confirmed or probable case of EVD since the start of this outbreak has
            risen to 37, in 12 of the 18 health zones in the province. In the past 21 days
            (16 August to 5 September 2020), 22 confirmed cases have been reported
            in 14 health areas across nine health zones.

            Six out of nine health zones with active contacts transmitted reports on
            5 September 2020, with 89 new contacts reported. Out of 2 978 active
            contacts, 2056 (74%) have been followed-up. Of the 113 contacts who
            were not seen, 44 (38.9%) have never been seen, seven (6.2%) were lost
            to follow-up and 62 (54.9%) were not seen in the previous 24 hours. So
            far, 64 contacts have left follow-up in Mbandaka and six others in Bikoro
            have become symptomatic. A total of 374 new alerts were detected on
            5 September 2020, of which 343 were validated and 58 samples were
            collected.

            PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

            On 5 September 2020, 15/46 active Points of Control (POCs) reported.
            A total of 18 769 travellers passed through these PoCs and 18 011
            (96%) were screened. Since the start of the response activities, 933
            811 (91.7%) screenings have been performed among the 1 018 674
            travellers who have passed through the active PoCs. Out of these 118
            alerts have been detected, with 70 validated.
            As of 5 September 2020, 75 samples were received in four operational
            laboratories; 48 in Bikoro, 24 in Itipo, two in Mbandaka and one in
            Bolomba. Since the start of the outbreak a total of 6 651 samples have
            been tested.

            A total of 173 new people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP on 5
            September 2020, in five rings, including 15 high risk contacts, and 158
            contacts of contacts.

            Since 5 June 2020, a total of 27 303 people has been vaccinated.
            A total of 83 patients, including nine confirmed patients were managed
            in the transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in affected areas as
            of 5 September 2020, with bed occupancy at 32.7% among suspected
            cases and 19.6% among confirmed cases.

            A total of 24 patients have received specific EVD treatment since the
            start of this outbreak, with six (including one death) in Wangata, five in
            Lilanga Bobangi, four in Lotumbe, three in Bikoro, three in Bolomba,
            two in Ingende and one in Lolang Mampoko. In addition, five out of
            the nine confirmed patients currently being treated in ETCs are being
            given this treatment: three in Lilanga Bobangi, and one each in Lolanga
            Mampoko and Lotumbe.

            Five confirmed cases of EVD remain in the community, including four
            in Lotumbe and one in Mbandaka.

            As of 5 September 2020, infection prevention and control (IPC)
            monitoring and support activities included training 70 hygienists from
            Bikoro and Bolomba, one health facility and seven households were
            decontaminated in Lotombe and 15 households were provided with
            water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) kits and five mattresses were
            returned and 19 service providers were briefed on various IPC topics
            during monitoring and support carried out in five health facilities.
            Risk communication, mobilization and community engagement
            continues, with 15 community leaders taking part in community
            engagement on resistance to response activities and safe and
            dignified burials; 27 providers were trained in risk communication
            and community engagement and over 1 000 people who were in areas
            with recent confirmed cases were sensitized on EVD and COVID-19
            prevention in Lilanga Bobangi and Lotumbe.

            SITUATION INTERPRETATION

            The EVD outbreak in ?quateur Province continues to show rising case
            numbers and to spread to new health areas within new health zones. There
            are still insufficient funds for the response, with inadequate human resources
            in community engagement and risk communication, particularly in hotspot
            areas, while strike action by responders continues. Community resistance
            to sampling and safe and dignified burials also threatens the response.

            Continued advocacy with funders and donors for mobilization of financial
            resources is required, along with strengthening of surveillance at points of
            entry and cross border collaboration with Republic of Congo. Partners need
            urgently to address the issue of insufficient funds and human resources being
            available for response, particularly with the concentration of response efforts
            to COVID-19.

            "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


            • #36
              Source: https://www.who.int/csr/don/03-septe...-ebola-drc/en/

              Ebola virus disease – Democratic Republic of the Congo

              Disease outbreak news
              3 September 2020

              Three months after the declaration of the eleventh Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Equateur Province, Democratic Republic of the Congo, the number of confirmed cases continues to increase, and the geographic spread of the outbreak continues to expand.
              As of 1 September 2020, 110 cases (104 confirmed and six probable) including 47 deaths (case fatality ratio 43%) have been reported from 36 health areas in 11 health zones. In the past 21 days (12 August – 1 September 2020), 24 confirmed cases have been reported in 15 health areas across eight health zones. To date, three healthcare workers have been affected, making up 3% of all cases. In addition, 48 people have recovered from EVD to date.
              Public health response

              The Ministry of Health is leading the response in affected health zones with the support of WHO and partners. Response priorities include strengthening surveillance and contact tracing, enhancing laboratory capacity, implementing adequate clinical management of suspect and confirmed cases, continuing ring vaccination around confirmed cases, vaccinating frontline workers, providing safe and dignified burials, supporting infection prevention and control in health facilities, and engaging with affected communities.
              Key response measures to date include:
              • Contact follow-up and alert investigation activities are ongoing.
                  • On 1 September 2020, six out of eight health zones which have reported cases in the past 21 days reported on contact tracing activities for 3227 contacts listed; 2614 (81%) of these contacts were followed up.
                  • On 1 September 2020, 611 alerts (including three deaths) were reported from nine of the eleven health zones which have been affected during this outbreak, of which 592 (97%) were investigated within 24 hours. Of the 592 alerts investigated, 123 (20%) were validated, requiring specialized care and laboratory testing to rule-out EVD.
              • Laboratories have been established in Mbandaka, Bikoro, Itipo, and Bolomba. A fifth laboratory is planned to be established in Ingende. Work is ongoing to ensure that health areas with no laboratories are able to transport samples to the four established laboratories. Since the start of the outbreak, a total of 6265 samples have been tested.
              • Vaccination activities are ongoing in all affected health zones. From 5 June 2020 to 1 September, a total of 27 492 people (including 2641 frontline workers) have been vaccinated, including 7244 high-risk contacts.
              • Forty-six (46) points of entry and control are currently operational in Equateur province with 91% (829 709/907 137) travelers screened to date. A total of 107 alerts have been detected as a result of this screening, of which 65 were investigated. Of the 65 alerts investigated, 61 were validated and none were confirmed.
              • Efforts are on-going to initiate an EVD survivors care programme in clinics in Bikoro, Bolomba, Iboko and Mbandaka.
              • As of 1 September 2020, 239 death alerts from affected health zones were received by the safe and dignified burials (SDB) teams, resulting in 122 successful SDB (51%). Among death alerts received, 136 were successfully swabbed, including 16 confirmed. These activities need to be strengthened to support local communities to safely manage burials and prevent the potential spread of EVD.
              • Current clinical management capacities include: Ebola Treatment Centers in Wangata, Bikoro and Bolomba and three General Referral Hospitals with enhanced capacities to manage confirmed cases (total of 183 beds); a transit center in Mbandaka (10 beds); health facilities with isolation capacities in Iboko, Itipo, Yuli, Bosomondomba, Kalamba, Lilanga, Ikoko Bondinga, Ndote and Monieka (total of 68 beds). Some people who are confirmed to have EVD are reportedly reluctant to access treatment and are staying in their communities. This highlights the need to strengthen clinical care capacities in all locations and to ensure that all patients have access to the appropriate level of care. As of 1 September, 23/66 (35%) patients were administered monoclonal antibodies.
              WHO risk assessment

              A lack of funding is constraining the ability of WHO and partners to respond, as is a lack of sufficient human resources. Scaling-up response activities has been further hampered by ongoing strikes among locally-based response teams. WHO is supporting the Ministry of Health and partners to address this challenge.
              WHO has not received adequate EVD funding since the start of 2020, and is currently using its emergency funds to support epidemiological and public health interventions. Access to financial and human resources are further challenged by the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak which is putting an additional burden on the national health system. The risk of disruption to surveillance and routine public health activities due to COVID-19 might jeopardize the country’s ability to rapidly contain re-emergence of these EVD cases. As of 29 August 2020, the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 1044 COVID-19 cases and 258 deaths.
              In addition, response teams are currently operating in a logistically challenging environment, with many of the affected areas only accessible by boat or helicopter and with limited telecommunications capacity. Further challenges include:
              • Inadequate surveillance of deaths in communities, which limits the capability to accurately assess the scope of the outbreak and to control the chains of transmission;
              • Sub-optimal clinical care in most of the affected health zones;
              • Limited laboratory capacity slows EVD confirmation and patient management.
              Investigations are ongoing in recently affected health zones to assess the full extent of the outbreak and therefore high vigilance should be maintained.
              On 1 September 2020, WHO revised the risk assessment for this event from moderate to high at the regional level, while the risk level remained high at the national level and low at the global level. The level of risk will be continuously reassessed in the coming days based on available and shared information from partners.
              WHO advice

              WHO advises the following risk reduction measures as an effective way to reduce Ebola virus disease transmission in humans:
              • Reducing the risk of wildlife-to-human transmission from contact with infected fruit bats or monkeys/apes and the consumption of their raw meat. Animals should be handled with gloves and other appropriate protective clothing. Animal products (blood and meat) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
              • Reducing the risk of human-to-human transmission from direct or close contact with people with Ebola symptoms, particularly with their bodily fluids. Gloves and appropriate personal protective equipment should be worn when taking care of ill patients at home. Regular hand washing is required after visiting patients in hospital, as well as after taking care of patients at home.
              • Reducing the risk of possible sexual transmission, based on further analysis of ongoing research and consideration by the WHO Advisory Group on the Ebola Virus Disease Response, WHO recommends that male survivors of EVD practice safe sex and hygiene for 12 months from onset of symptoms or until their semen tests negative twice consecutively for Ebola virus. Contact with body fluids should be avoided and washing with soap and water is recommended. WHO does not recommend isolation of male or female convalescent patients whose blood has tested negative for Ebola virus.
              • Ongoing training and re-training of health work force for early detection, isolation and treatment of EVD cases.
              WHO continues to advise against any restriction of travel and trade to the Democratic Republic of the Congo in relation to this event, based on the currently available information.
              For more information, please see:


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              • #37
                Democratic Republic of the Congo – Ebola Outbreak Fact Sheet #9, Fiscal Year (FY) 2020 (September 18, 2020)



                SITUATION AT A GLANCE

                123 Total Confirmed and Probable EVD Cases in ?quateur MoH – September 17, 2020

                50 Total EVD-Related Deaths in ?quateur MoH – September 17, 2020

                12 Total Health Zones in ?quateur Affected by EVD to Date MoH – September 17, 2020

                3,470 Total Confirmed and Probable EVD Cases in Eastern DRC at End of Outbreak MoH – June 25, 2020

                2,287 Total EVD-Related Deaths in Eastern DRC at End of Outbreak MoH – June 25, 2020
                • New EVD cases along DRC–RoC border heighten the risk of cross-border spread, while response actors continue to raise concerns regarding increased community deaths and low therapeutic treatment use.
                • Ambassador Hammer leads a joint donor delegation, accompanied by DART members and USAID Mission staff, to ?quateur to assess the response to the province’s ongoing EVD outbreak.
                • USG announces more than $15 million in additional humanitarian funding to support health activities in response to the EVD outbreak in ?quateur.
                English Situation Report on Democratic Republic of the Congo and 3 other countries about Contributions, Disaster Management, Epidemic and more; published on 18 Sep 2020 by USAID
                ?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


                • #38
                  Translation Google

                  DR Congo: Humanitarian information note - Ebola virus disease epidemic in Ecuador September 20, 2020, report # 85

                  FormatSituation Report Source OCHA Posted Sep 21, 2020 Originally published Sep 21, 2020
                  ...

                  STATISTICS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE EPIDEMIC

                  124 cases reported including 118 confirmed and 6 probable

                  40 affected health areas, spread over 12 health zones

                  59 healed

                  50 deaths including 44 confirmed and 6 probable

                  31,179 people vaccinated since the start of the

                  OVERVIEW OF THE SITUATION

                  The strengthening of the response in the Lotumbe health zone is necessary. The latter notified a new confirmed case of Ebola virus disease on September 18.

                  Five priority entry points (PoE) and health control points (PoC) are now equipped with digital tablets in the health zones of Mbandaka, Bolenge and Wangata. This endowment from IOM strengthens data management and improves the search for contacts never seen, lost or moved. Due to the mobility of contacts, strengthening surveillance is essential for the success of the response.

                  IOM also plans to carry out an analysis of population movements in active health zones and border health zones. Currently, priority is given particularly to the control of movements likely to bring the disease to neighboring countries (Republic of Congo, Central African Republic), the cities of Kinshasa and Kisangani, and also to neighboring health zones such as Bokonzi and Bangabola. (province of South Ubangui), Boende (province of Tshuapa), Penjoa and Inongo (province of Maindombe).

                  https://reliefweb.int/report/democra...-la-maladie-80


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

                  DRC: authorities explain the management of the Ebola epidemic in Ecuador

                  Published on : 09/21/2020 - 10:22

                  Text by:
                  RFI
                  3 min

                  The authorities of the Democratic Republic of the Congo respond to the ambassadors of the United States, Canada and the United Kingdom. After a visit to the province of Equateur, the three diplomats alerted on the management of funds intended for the fight against Ebola. The Ambassador of Canada, for example, mentioned the recruitment of 4,000 people for an epidemic which is currently limited to just over 120 cases. Health Minister Eteni Longondo says Congolese authorities are aware of the problem and have already taken action.

                  We are monitoring these issues closely because every time there is an epidemic people think it is a way to make money. So, over the past two months, we have received a list of many people to pay, people who claim to work for the Ebola fight in Mbandaka. We did not accept this list and we had asked our inspectors to go and clean the list in Mbandaka. We are going to significantly reduce this list and work with the management teams of the health zones. There was indeed an increase in the lists which were made by a few chief medical officers of the zones. We suspended them. And we suspended three other health zone administrators. Then a nurse was also suspended. They will be brought to justice.


                  Eteni Longondo, Congolese Minister of Health

                  Magali Lagrange

                  Eteni Longondo specifies that he intends to invite the ambassadors this week to discuss the situation, and that he will soon be visiting the province of Equateur.

                  https://www.rfi.fr/fr/afrique/202009...l%C3%A9quateur
                  "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


                  • #39
                    WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
                    AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
                    Week 39: 21 - 27 September 2020
                    Data as reported by: 17:00; 27 September 2020
                    ...
                    Ebola virus disease Democratic Republic of the Congo
                    (?quateur Province)


                    124 Cases
                    50 Deaths
                    40.3% CFR


                    EVENT DESCRIPTION

                    The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in ?quateur Province, Democratic
                    Republic of the Congo, has seen no new confirmed cases or deaths
                    since 18 September 2020. In the past 21 days (from 6-26 September
                    2020) there have been 12 confirmed cases of EVD in seven out of 40
                    health areas in six out of 12 affected health zones.

                    As of 26 September 2020, the cumulative total of EVD cases remains
                    124 (118 confirmed and six probable) including 50 deaths (case fatality
                    ratio 40.3%). The case fatality ratio among confirmed cases remains at
                    37.3% (44 deaths/118 confirmed cases). The number of health workers
                    affected remains at three, making up 2.4% of all cases.

                    No new contacts were reported on 26 September 2020. Out of 1 601
                    active contacts, 1 481 (92.5%) have been followed-up. Of the 92 contacts
                    who were not seen, eight (8.7%) have never been seen, nine (9.8%)
                    were lost to follow-up and 75 (81.5%) were not seen in the previous 24
                    hours. Nine contacts became symptomatic, seven in Lotumbe, two in
                    Ingende. A total of 632 new alerts (including nine deaths) were reported
                    in nine health zones. Of the 746 alerts recorded to date 711 (95.3%)
                    were investigated and 81 (47.1%) were validated.

                    PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

                    On 26 September 2020, 28/51 active Points of Control (POCs)
                    reported. A total of 30 184 travellers passed through these PoCs
                    and 25 751 (85.3%) were screened. Since the start of the response
                    activities, 1 442 597 (92.3%) screenings have been performed
                    among the 1 565 363 travellers who have passed through the active
                    PoCs. Out of these 165 alerts have been detected, with 92 validated.

                    As of 26 September 2020, 151 samples were received in five
                    operational laboratories. Since the start of the outbreak a total of
                    8 628 samples have been tested.

                    A total of 388 new people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP
                    on 19 September 2020, in seven rings, including 222 contact-ofcontact,
                    three high risk contacts, and 163 probable contacts; these
                    figures include 78 first line providers.

                    Since 5 June 2020, a total of 32 999 people has been vaccinated.
                    A total of 45 patients, all suspected patients, were managed in the
                    transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in affected areas as of 26
                    September 2020.

                    Seven confirmed cases of EVD remain in the community, including
                    four in Lotumbe, two in Lolanga Mampoko and one in Mbandaka.
                    On 26 September 2020 there were nine community death alerts in
                    Wangata (3), Lilanga Bonangi (2), Mbandaka (2), and one each in
                    Bikoro and Ingende. Only four samples were taken with only one
                    secure and dignified burial carried out.

                    As of 26 September 2020, 95 providers were briefed on IPC topics
                    and isolation and triage rooms in four Bikoro health facilties were
                    finished.

                    Risk communication, mobilization and community engagement
                    continues, with 45 Red Cross volunteers being briefed on EVD
                    prevention, along with community dialogue on risk perception in the
                    Lotumbe Health Zone, attended by 69 people.

                    SITUATION INTERPRETATION

                    There have been no new cases or deaths in the EVD affected areas since 18
                    September 2020, which while we can be cautiously optimistic, it is too early
                    to say if all transmission chains have been broken. There are still contacts
                    lost to follow up, confirmed cases still remain in the community and safe and
                    dignified burials continue to be a challenge.
                    Funding remains inadequate,
                    community resistance continues, as well as indequate laboratory reagents
                    and commodities. Continued advocacy is required with donors and funding
                    agencies to strengthen response activities, which must, wherever possible,
                    be enhanced by COVID-19 response measures.

                    https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/...2127092020.pdf
                    "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


                    • #40
                      Ebola virus disease - eleventh outbreak - Democratic Republic of the Congo - 2020

                      oct 2 2020

                      Epidemiological summary: Since the start of the outbreak, and as of 29 September 2020, a total of 128 cases (119 confirmed, nine probable), including 53 deaths, have been reported from the Bikoro (32), Bolenge (1), Bolomba (16), Bomongo (2), Iboko (4), Ingende (13), Lilanga Bobangi (6), Lolanga Mampoko (7), Lotumbe (17), Makanza (1), Mbandaka (25), Monieka (2) and Wangata (2) health zones in the Equateur province of the DRC. Among the reported cases were three healthcare workers.

                      Since the beginning of the vaccination campaign with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP on 5 June 2020, 35 487 people have been vaccinated.

                      Background: Between May and July 2018, the ninth Ebola outbreak in the DRC occurred in Mbandaka, Bikoro and in the Equateur province, leading to a total of 54 cases, including 33 deaths.

                      According to the World Health Organization, the current event seems to be separate from the 10th Ebola outbreak in the eastern part of the country, which resulted in 3 470 cases, including 2 287 deaths, and was declared over on 25 June 2020. Sequencing results confirm the new outbreak as a separate spillover event. This is the DRC?s 11th outbreak of Ebola virus disease since 1976, when the virus was first discovered.

                      In addition to Ebola outbreaks, the country is currently affected by other major outbreaks, such as COVID-19, cholera, monkeypox, polio and the bubonic plague.
                      ?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


                      • #41
                        WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
                        AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
                        Week 40: 28 September - 4 October 2020
                        Data as reported by: 17:00; 4 October 2020
                        ...

                        Ebola virus disease Democratic Republic of the Congo
                        (?quateur Province)


                        128 Cases
                        53 Deaths
                        40.3% CFR


                        EVENT DESCRIPTION

                        The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in ?quateur Province,
                        Democratic Republic of the Congo, continues to evolve, albeit with a
                        slow increase in new cases and deaths. However, there are now 42
                        health areas affected out of 13 health zones, which indicates further
                        geographical spread. Since our last report (Weekly Bulletin 39), there
                        has been one new confirmed EVD case and three new deaths. In the
                        past 21 days (from 13 September to 3 October 2020) there have been
                        four confirmed cases of EVD in four out of 42 health areas in three out
                        of 13 affected health zones.

                        As of 3 October 2020, the cumulative total of EVD cases is 128 (119
                        confirmed and nine probable) including 53 deaths (case fatality ratio
                        41.4%). The case fatality ratio among confirmed cases 37.0% (44
                        deaths/119 confirmed cases). The number of health workers affected
                        remains at three, making up 2.3% of all cases.

                        A total of 35 new contacts were listed on 3 October 2020. Out of 698
                        active contacts, 633 (90.7%) have been followed-up. Of the 52 contacts
                        who were not seen, 36 (69.2%) have never been seen, three (5.8%)
                        were lost to follow-up and 13 (25%) were not seen in the previous 24
                        hours. Ten contacts became symptomatic, six in Lotumbe, and four in
                        Ingende. A total of 813 new alerts (including 20 deaths) were reported
                        in 12 health zones. Of the 865 alerts recorded to date 829 (95.8%) were
                        investigated and 80 (36.4%) were validated.

                        PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

                        On 3 October 2020, 36/51 active Points of Control (POCs) reported.
                        A total of 49 588 travellers passed through these PoCs and 46 847
                        (94.5%) were screened. Since the start of the response activities,
                        1 663 093 (92.4%) screenings have been performed among the 1
                        800 330 travellers who have passed through the active PoCs. Out of
                        these 193 alerts have been detected, with 101 validated.

                        As of 3 October 2020, 66 samples were received in five operational
                        laboratories. Since the start of the outbreak a total of 9 302 samples
                        have been tested.

                        A total of 244 new people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP on
                        3 October 2020, in seven rings, including 57 contacts-of-contacts,
                        ten high risk contacts, and 177 probable contacts; these figures
                        include 165 first line providers.

                        Since 5 June 2020, a total of 34 897 people has been vaccinated.
                        A total of 41 patients, with one confirmed, were managed in the
                        transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in affected areas as of
                        3 October 2020.

                        Since the start of specific EVD therapy, 31 (39.7%) confirmed
                        patients have been treated with this.

                        Seven confirmed cases of EVD remain in the community, including
                        four in Lotumbe, two in Lolanga Mampoko and one in Mbandaka.
                        On 3 October 2020 there were 21 community death alerts in Bikoro
                        (1), Bolenge (2), Bolomba (3), Iboko (2), Ingende (2), Lilanga
                        Bobangi (2), Lotumbe (3), Makanza (2) and Wangata (3). Only eight
                        samples were taken with only three secure and dignified burials
                        carried out.

                        On 3 October 2020, construction started on a borehole at the general
                        reference hospital in Lotumbe; in Makanza, 17 nurses were briefed
                        in IPC precautions and one health facility and one household were
                        decontaminated; IPC/WASH kits have been provided in Bomongo
                        health zone, while the team in charge of safe and dignified burials
                        were briefed on injection safety, swabs and donning and doffing of
                        personal protective equipment. IPC capacity was assessed in seven
                        health facilities in affected health zones.

                        Risk communication, mobilization and community engagement
                        continues, with awareness raising activities around the recent
                        confirmed case of EVD in Makanza Health Zone, focusing on signs
                        and preventive measures; sensitization activities were discussed
                        with religious leaders from the same health zone. In Bomongo,
                        mass sensitization on EVD and COVID-19 was carried out by the
                        administrator of the territory. Household visits continue, along with
                        awareness activities by community relays, Red Cross volunteers and
                        Community Action Cells.

                        SITUATION INTERPRETATION

                        The EVD outbreak in this area of Democratic Republic of the Congo
                        continues, although at a relatively slow rate. There are still contacts lost
                        to follow up, confirmed cases still remain in the community and safe and
                        dignified burials continue to be a challenge.
                        Funding remains inadequate,
                        community resistance continues, as well as the problem of inadequate
                        laboratory reagents and commodities. Continued advocacy is required
                        with donors and funding agencies to strengthen response activities. EVD
                        awareness activities are taking place in tandem with COVID-19 response
                        activities, which is to be commended, and which will hopefully continue, to
                        help to break the stigma associated with both diseases.

                        "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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