Congo - Ebola - 183 deaths + 187 suspected cases

[Gert van der Hoek]

Re: Congo - Ebola - 76 cases so far - International experts assisting

'No fresh Ebola case in DRC's western Kasai'

Kinshasa, DR Congo - No new case of the Ebola hemorrhagic fever or death has been reported in DR Congo's western Kasai since 23 Sept., the Congolese News Agency (ACP) reported Monday, quoting the provincial Health and Social Affairs Minister, Ntumba Tshitoka.

Tshitoka said the significant drop in fresh Ebola cases was due to the strict respect of the hygiene rules by populations and patients care.

He said some samples taken from the 209 people among the families of those affected by this epidemic were being examined by the two laboratories set up in Mweka and in Luebo.

Out of the 144 samples sent to laboratories in Canada and the US three weeks ago, 17 cases have confirmed the existence of the Ebola virus in western Kasai, the Minister said.

Some 175 people, three of whom were nurses, have died since the epidemic broke out, the Minister disclosed.

Kinshasa - 09/10/2007

http://www.afriquenligne.fr/news/daily-news/'no-fresh-ebola-case-in-drc's-western-kasai'-2007100910276/

[Treyfish]

Re: Congo - Ebola - 76 cases so far - International experts assisting

Mweka-Lwebo: Ebola, no new detected case
Western Kasa? | October 9, 2007 with 11:02: 34


be laboratories of detection of the hemorrhagic viruses of the fever of Ebola installed in Mweka and in Lwebo, in the province of the Kasa?-Westerner, receive samples less and less to be examined. Since last week, no new case was announced, brings back radiookapi.net

17 samples were examined in the two laboratories American and canadiendans these two cities. The report/ratio of the World Health Organization, WHO, announces on this subject that of all these samples, no new case of proven Ebola was detected.

However, according to epidemiologists, the reduction in new cases proven of the epidemic is not inevitably synonymous with its control. It is necessary for 42 days, starting from the last case, for saying so yes or not, the population is except danger of the epidemic of Ebola, still repeated the provincial Minister for Health. What requires the continuation of alarm in the zones concerned, it let know.

In addition, on ground with Mweka and Lwebo, the Community relays of the alarm system are said d?motiv?s by the delay of payment of their collation. What is likely to be a fault in the alarm system. http://www.radiookapi.net/index.php?...k=0&r=all&sc=0

[Treyfish]

Re: Congo - Ebola - 175(?) dead - International experts assisting

Source: M?decins du Monde
Date: 12 Oct 2007
Congo: Combating the epidemic of Ebola
On Sept. 11, 2007, the presence of the Ebola virus in the province of Kasa? Occidental has been officially confirmed. Very contagious disease that leaves little chance of survival to its victims. Medecins du Monde intervened to sensitize the population on the risks of transmission and training health care workers to prevent contagion.

The epidemic of haemorrhagic fever known as Ebola fever has appeared mainly in the area of health Mweka with direct impact on the health of surrounding areas. On 1 October 2007, 183 deaths and 187 cases "contacts" (people suspected of being infected) were identified. Merely touching an infected person may result in the contraction of the disease.

Among the activities, Medecins du Monde has embarked on the training of two relays community by the village. Every day, these relays disseminate awareness messages sent to the population. The nursing staff at health centers actively involved in training on hygiene, recognition of the disease, the use of preventive supplies, and so on. The huge potential contagious virus forced to attention at all times. The beneficiaries of the project are reviving and with the basic concepts of hygiene.

On the ground, Axelle Ronsse, emergency doctor, is in charge of overseeing the operations: "The Congolese people are very attentive to the messages that are transmitted. They also raise a lot of questions. This attitude is the best to beat the disease. To raise awareness, we operate a radio. Meanwhile, leaflets are distributed in the villages http://www.reliefweb.int/rw/RWB.NSF/...S?OpenDocument

[Treyfish]

Re: Congo - Ebola - 183 deaths + 187 suspected cases

Official Government Wires




Mokambo border on 24hr surveillance of ebola


Oct. 17 -- Mufulira 16 Oct ZANIS --- Mokambo border in Mufulira district has been put on 24 hour surveillance for any possible outbreak of the deadly Hemorrhagic fever(Ebola). District health management office Planning Manager, John Lungu, disclosed in Mufulira at a district preparedness task force committee meeting held at the council chamber. Mr. Lungu said since the district shares a long stretch with the Democratic Republic Congo (DRC) with several entry points into the town, there is need to be on high alert for any possible out break of the Ebola epidemic. Mr. Lungu said an emergency room at Mokambo border clinic has also been created as a measure to prepare for the deadly contagious virus. He noted that the district, being the main entry point to the Copperbelt from Congo DR, is highly vulnerable, hence the need to put all necessary measures in place. The Ebola epidemic has been reported in the Kasai region in the neighbouring Congo DR where at least 170 people died with six cases confirmed to have resulted of the disease. And District Health Environmental Health Expert, Joe Nkamba who presented a report on the Ebola situation in the neighbouring Congo DR, said the district has to be on alert as the health experts in Congo DR are still treating some suspected cases in the Kasai region. Mr. Nkamba suggested to the committee to intensify its information education and communication campaign at all its entry points so that the people are aware of the symptoms and be able to alert the health workers. Mufulira has about six main entry points into Congo DR namely Luansobe 14, 17, 21 Miles farming Blocs, Butondo, and Muya http://www.upi.com/Official_Governme...-513128-6557-r

[Treyfish]

Re: Congo - Ebola - 183 deaths + 187 suspected cases

Kampungu: Ebola investigation on the origin of the epidemic
Kasai Occidental | October 16, 2007 at 10:20:41


The laboratory's research center based in Winnipeg Kapungu passes to the stage of investigating the origin of the epidemic hemorrhagic fever Ebola. According to Canadian researchers, this second stage is a normal process generally speaking after a lull of confirmed cases reported protest

According to experts, no such inquiry, it would be difficult to say with certainty the origin of the disease. Scientists conduct their research by investigating people in the communities Kampungu, epicenter of the epidemic. Through questionnaires and other appropriate methods, they are trying to trace the family tree of the disease. They date back cases contacts alert in case of origin. This, to find out how the first case, human or animal has been infected.

This activity goes hand in hand with the ongoing review of the samples received daily by the Canadian laboratory. He replaced the laboratory at CDC Lwebo. For reasons of proximity, Winnepeg was transferred to his lab Kapungu. According to the provincial minister of health, the United States laboratory had no reason to stay in the region as a result of the significant decrease in the number of samples to be examined.

It should be noted that according to the WHO, the natural reservoir of this virus is not exactly identified and no vaccine against the disease is not yet known. The mortality rate is 80% and the infection has a high speed of contagion. Thus, the provincial Ministry of Health insists on respect for the rules of hygiene and basic reporting of instances, up to the official announcement of the end of the epidemic. http://www.radiookapi.net/index.php?...k=0&r=all&sc=0

[Treyfish]

Re: Congo - Ebola - 183 deaths + 187 suspected cases

Thanks for all the ebola stories! This outbreak is pretty much contained and over, as far as from the news i can find Zoe's last post from there was a few days ago and she has left.A true hero in anyone's book and she gave us a wonderful insight into the outbreak and in containment measures overall If i could shake her hand one day, it would be an honor.Many countries and organizations helped fight this rather large disease outbreak,however other questions of animal and chicken deaths remain unanswered.From the last reports on her blog,some people had recently still died. 25/10: Diary Day 22 - Friday - THE END
Yesterday was a finishing off day back in Kinshasa. We had some news through from Kampungu: a young boy?s test result was negative. It was a huge relief. But, to temper that, we heard that our last patient had died in the night. It is so frustrating because she had survived so long and we had hoped that she would be able to hold out long enough to win.

I finally got on the plane back home at Kinshasa airport. This morning they woke us up with an announcement to apologise for the lack of breakfast service. A woman had gone into labour in the night, had delivered a healthy baby girl over Mauritania. She was now lying asleep in the kitchen. New life and a happy ending to my mission.

23/10: Diary Day 21 - Wednesday
Category: GeneralPosted by: ZoeYAdd comment
Good news last night: the man and child in the isolation unit tested negative so they went home today. I was very pleased, since it is my last day on the project.

At our new airstrip we had to wait about an hour before the plane arrived..... http://www.msf.ca/blogs/ZoeY.php
_________________

[Treyfish]

Re: New Ebola Strain in Uganda Spreading - Death toll rising

Kananga: rehabilitation of the road Mweka-Dekese
Kasai Occidental | 08 Dec 2007 at 15:52:53

This road was impassable for more than 15 days. His rehabilitation will open up the territory. The work is funded by the international humanitarian community, reports radiookapi.net

This work began in the town of Domiongo in the territory of Mweka to be completed in that of Dekese. According to Unops, UN agency running the project, 2 bins will be rehabilitated on this course, on the rivers Sankuru and Lukeni.

The Unops works with 39 local NGOs, each of which rehabilitates a piece of clay. The agency also works with the Office of National Transportation for the repair of containers. The Unops stresses the return to the communities living along the road to maintain.

According to the provincial and national deputies elected from this constituency, this route will allow the evacuation of the agricultural products of hunting and fishing. It is primarily intended to reduce the distance to enter the headquarters of Dekese. Travelers should get there by air or through Bandundu province by water.

This work will last nearly 3 months. Their start was delayed following the outbreak of Ebola occurred in the province. http://www.radiookapi.net/index.php?i=53&a=15892