DRC - Three new Ebola cases confirmed in eastern Congo - October 18, 2021

[Shiloh]

Source: https://wsau.com/2021/10/18/three-ne...eastern-congo/

Three new Ebola cases confirmed in eastern Congo
By Syndicated Content
Oct 18, 2021 | 3:19 AM

BENI, Democratic Republic of Congo (Reuters) – Three new Ebola cases have been confirmed in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, bringing the total to five in the last 10 days, the World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday.

Health officials have said the latest flare-up of the virus appeared to be linked to the massive 2018-20 outbreak, which killed more than 2,200 people and infected more than 1,000 others.

The cases were detected on Saturday in the health district of Butsili, close to the city of Beni where the last outbreak was centred, the WHO said in a statement. Three people out of the five confirmed cases have died...

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 43: 18 - 24 October 2021
Data as reported by: 17:00; 24 October 2021
...
Ebola virus disease Democratic Republic of the
Congo

6 Cases
3 Death
50.0% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in Butsili Health Area (HA), Beni
Health Zone (HZ) continues with one new confirmed case reported in the
past week. The case is a 24 years-old male from Butsili Health Area and
a known contact under follow-up.

As of 23 October 2021, a total of six confirmed cases of EVD have been
reported in Beni HZ in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with three
deaths (case fatality ratio 50.0%), including two community deaths.
Among the confirmed cases, 33.3% (2/6) are children under five-years
of age. All the six confirmed cases have been reported from Butsili HA.
Since the confirmation of the EVD outbreak in Beni HZ, a total of 544
contacts have been listed, of which 478 (87.9.0%) are under follow
up, 54 (9.9%) contacts had never been seen, and one contact is lost
to follow-up. Of the contacts under follow up, seven became suspects
including five in Butsili HA, one in Mabakanga HA and one in Ngongolio
HA. All the suspect cases are currently under isolation at Beni Hospital.
As of 23 October 2021, a total 225 alerts including eight deaths were
notified; of these 222 (99.0%) were investigated, 19 (8.4%) were
validated as suspected cases of EVD and samples were collected from
10 suspected cases. Samples were not collected from the other nine
suspected cases who declined.

Since the start of vaccination on 13 October 2021, 229 people (including
59 primary care providers) have been vaccinated: 84 contacts of
contacts, 96 probable contacts and 49 high risk contacts.

On 23 October 2021, 30 laboratory samples were analyzed among which
no sample returned positive for EVD. Since the start of the response, a
total of 265 samples have been taken and analysed, of which six returned
positive for the EVD.

A swab sample of the known index case was sequenced and initial
findings indicate that this outbreak likely represents a new flare-up of
the 2018-2020 Nord Kivu/Ituri EVD outbreak, initiated by transmission
from a persistently infected survivor or a survivor who experienced
relapse. Further epidemiologic investigations are ongoing to determine
the source.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

The Ministry of Health, with support from partners, is investigating
the most recent case and building capacity of local laboratory
technicians, contact tracers, and vaccination teams.

Vaccination activities against EVD continues in five sites; Ngongolio,
Paida, Mandrandele, Bustili and Mabakanga. Vaccinators are using
the “ring vaccination” approach, where contacts and contacts of
contacts are vaccinated.

Different community groups have been reached and engaged to
raise awareness on Ebola response interventions, as well as in
establishing an Ebola survivor care programme.

The household of the last confirmed case and health facilities where
he was treated have been decontaminated.

Hand washing kits were availed to 15 health centres and the
community

On 23 October 2021, nine suspected cases were admitted including
one at Butsili health centre, two at Beni treatment centre, three at
Kanzulinzuli health centre and three in Malepe health centre.

Training and re-training of the health workforce for early detection,
isolation, treatment of EVD cases as well as safe and dignified
burials and the IPC ring approach is ongoing.

Community dialogue was held with 32 leaders of different youth
associations in the city of Beni to solicit their involvement in
sensitizing their communities in the fight against EVD; awareness
was conducted in an Adventist church on prevention measures for
EVD.

Alert monitoring continues using both active case finding in health
facilities and passive surveillance.

A total of 48 953 (90.3%) travellers were screened among the 54
211 people who went through the different points of control (PoCs).

Management of suspected EVD cases is underway at a provisional
EVD treated center

Laboratory analysis of samples from suspected EVD cases is also
ongoing

Psychosocial care is being offered to the affected families and
suspected cases.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The EVD outbreak in Beni HZ continues to evolve with one new confirmed
case identified in the past week. A total of six confirmed cases has been
recorded with three deaths. Only Butsili health area is affected to date.
There are challenges around weak reporting of alerts by health zones,
limited human resources for contact follow-up, and other public health
actions; insufficient tools for surveillance including personal protective
equipment in health facilities in the health zone. National and regional
authorities, and partners need to urgently strengthen surveillance in
health zones and ensure that the treatment centres in Beni are operational
for both suspected and confirmed cases.
...

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/347061/OEW43-1824102021.pdf

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 44: 25 - 31 October 2021
Data as reported by: 17:00; 31 October 2021
...

Ebola virus disease Democratic Republic of the
Congo

8 Cases
6 Death
75.0% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

Two new cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) were confirmed in new
Health Areas (HA) of Ngilinga and Bundji (one each) in Beni Health Zone
(HZ) in North Kivu Province. To date, three HAs have reported confirmed
cases, namely, Butsili HA (6 cases), Bundji (one case) and Ngilinga HA
(one case).

As of 30 October 2021, total of eight confirmed cases of EVD have been
reported in Beni HZ in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, with six
deaths (including four community deaths) (case fatality ratio (CFR)
75.0%). Children below the age of five years accounts for 50.0% (4/8)
of the cases.

A total of 551 contacts are under follow up, of which 448 (81.3%) are
being actively followed up, 70 (12.7%) contacts had never been seen, 11
contacts have not been seen in the past 48 hours and 9 (1.6%) contact
are lost to follow-up.

On 30 October 2021, Beni Health Zone reported 198 new alerts including
nine deaths. An additional 445 alerts including 21 deaths were notified
from other seven HZs, of these, 436 (98.0%) were investigated, 45
(10.0%) were validated as suspected cases. Only 18 (40.0%) samples
were collected from the suspected cases who accepted to be tested.
A total of 394 people (67 primary care providers including nine high risk
contacts, nine contacts of contacts and 49 probable contacts) have been
vaccinated including 182 contacts of contacts, 125 probable contacts
and 87 high risk contacts.

On 30 October 2021, 37 laboratory samples were analysed among which
one returned positive for EVD. Since the start of the response, a total of
444 samples have been collected and analysed, of which eight returned
positive for the EVD.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

The Ministry of Health, with support from partners, continues
to investigate the most recent cases and building capacity of
laboratory technicians, contact tracers, and vaccination teams.
Vaccination efforts continue around all confirmed cases. Vaccinators
are using the “ring vaccination” approach, where contacts and
contacts of contacts are vaccinated.

On 29 October, a total of 37 576 individuals were sensitized
including 11 505 home visits.

Decontamination was conducted at the households of the last
confirmed cases and two health facilities where the last cases were
treated.

Hand washing kits were provided to Mabolio, Mabakanga and
Kanzunzuli communities.

On 30 October 2021, fourteen suspected cases were admitted
including one at Beni treatment centre, two at Kanzulinzuli health
centre, four at Malepe health centre, five at Bundji and two at Butsili
Health Centre.

Re-orientation of the health workforce for early detection, isolation,
treatment of EVD cases as well as safe and dignified burials and the
infection prevention and control ring approach is underway.

Alert monitoring continues using both active case finding from
health facilities visited during active case search and passive
surveillance.

Broadcasting of six programmes on EVD preventive measures
and community engagement in the fight against EVD is underway
through six local radio stations.

A total of 75 989 (98.5%) travellers were screened among the
77 166 people who went through the different points of control
(PoCs); 12 alerts including one death were notified. All the alerts
were investigated and eight validated as suspected cases and were
isolated.

Laboratory analysis of samples from suspected EVD cases is also
ongoing

Psychosocial care is being offered to the affected families and
suspected cases

Prevention against sexual exploitation and abuse planning and
orientation activities are underway with various commissions
including signing of the code of conduct by service providers from
various commissions.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The EVD outbreak initially reported in the Butsili health area in
Beni HZ has spread to other health areas, which is of concern. The
detection of a new community deaths is also of concern as it poses
risk for increased spread of the virus. There remain challenges
around weak reporting of alerts by health zones, limited human
resources for contact follow-up, insufficient tools for surveillance
including personal protective equipment in health facilities in the
health zone.
...

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/347690/OEW44-2531102021.pdf

[tetano]

DR Congo announces new Ebola cases



Health officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed eight new Ebola virus cases in North Kivu province, the World Health Organisation (WHO) said on Wednesday.

This marks a new outbreak in the country.

Of the eight cases, there have been six fatalities, the WHO’s regional office for Africa said on its Twitter account.

Some 573 people who had been exposed to the virus have been identified.

https://www.myjoyonline.com/dr-congo-announces-new-ebola-cases/?param=

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Translation Google


DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Briefing Note - Ebola virus disease outbreak in North Kivu
November 2, 2021, report # 4

This report was produced by OCHA in collaboration with humanitarian partners. It covers the period from
October 29 to November 1, 2021.

KEY FIGURES AND FACTS
• Bundji, third health area affected by the Ebola virus in Beni
• Children strongly affected by the epidemic

STATISTICS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE EPIDEMIC1

8 confirmed cases
6 death
3 Affected Health Areas in the Health Zone of Beni
552 contacts listed
404 vaccinated people

OVERVIEW OF THE SITUATION

A new death was confirmed on October 30
in the Bundji Health Area in the
Health of Beni, bringing to 3 the number of
health affected by the epidemic after those of
Butsili and Ngilinga. To date, six of the eight
people affected by the disease have died,
i.e. a case fatality rate of 75%, higher than the
average lethality which is about 50%. Account
given that children constitute half of the cases
confirmed, the health authorities have launched
extensive research on the contamination and
hospitalization of children.

All children affected by the disease are
deceased.

Despite the continuation of engagement activities
community, particularly through the Cells
Community Animation (CAC), a weak
adherence of the population to vaccination and
contact follow-up. As of November 1, 22 of the 38
suspected patients refused to be sampled and 53 contacts
were never seen.

...

https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/sites/www.humanitarianresponse.info/files/documents/files/note_dinformation_4_reponse_epidemie_ebola_au_nord-kivu.pdf

https://www.humanitarianresponse.info/en/operations/democratic-republic-congo/rd-congo-nord-kivu-ebola

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 45: 1 – 7 November 2021
Data as reported by: 17:00; 7 November 2021
...

Ebola virus disease Democratic Republic of the Congo

11 Cases
9 Death
81.80% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak continues in Beni Health Zone
(HZ) in North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo
with no new confirmed case reported in the past seven days. The latest
known confirmed case was reported on the 30 October 2021.

As of 6 November 2021, a total of 11 EVD cases including eight confirmed
cases (with four community deaths) and three probable cases have been
reported in Beni HZ. Additional three deaths were notified as probable
cases after in-depth investigations established epidemiological links to
confirmed cases on the 13, 16 and 22 October 2021, respectively.
The overall case fatality rate (CFR) is 81.8% (9/11) and 75.0% (6/8)
among confirmed cases.

To date, three (17.0%) out of the 18 health areas in Beni HZ have reported
confirmed cases, namely, Butsili HA (6 cases), Bundji (one case) and
Ngilinga HA (one case). Children under the age of five years account for
50.0% (4/8) of the cases.

In Beni HZ 510 contacts are listed and 443 (86.9%) are under active
follow-up in 11 HAs.

Of the total contacts, 44 (8.6%) had never been seen and nine contact
are lost to follow-up.

On 6 November 2021, a total of 669 alerts were notified including 17
deaths from three HZs, of these 664 (99.3%) were investigated, 28
(4.2%) were validated as suspected cases of EVD and samples were
collected from eight suspected cases. Samples were not collected from
the other suspected cases who declined.

A total of 485 persons have been vaccinated against EVD from the
inception of the vaccination activities. These include 97 high risk
contacts, 256 contacts of contacts and 132 probable contacts. Seventy
frontline health care workers were vaccinated including 10 high risk
contacts, nine contacts of contacts and 51 probable contacts.
On 6 November 2021, 33 samples including 21 swabs from three HZ
(Beni 17, Butembo 14 and Mabalako 2) were received and analysed at
the laboratory. Non tested positive for EVD. Cumulatively, a total 696
samples including 246 swabs have been collected and 694 (99.7%)
analysed, of which eight were confirmed EVD cases.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

The coordination sub-pillar continues to over-see and give direction
towards the outbreak response activities. A zonal coordination
meeting chaired by the Chief Health Officer of Beni was held.

Twenty local leaders of the Kansaga HA were engaged, and 14 531
home visits were conducted, during which 44 094 persons were
sensitized on EVD prevention.

On 6 November 2021, 296 alerts including four deaths were
notified.

As of 6 November 2021, six EVD suspected cases were being
treated at Beni (2), Kanzulinzuli (1), Butsili (1) and Malepe (2)
health treatment and isolation facilities. The bed occupancy at the
isolation facilities is 13.3%.

Alert monitoring continues using both active and passive
surveillance in health facilities and communities.

Vaccination efforts continue around all confirmed cases.

A total of 100 858 (98.3%) travellers were screened among the 102
520 people who went through the different points of control; eight
alerts were investigated and two validated as suspect cases and
these were isolated.

Psychosocial care is being offered to the seven suspected cases
including two at Beni EVD treatment centre and five admitted at
Butsili, Malepe and Kanzulinzuli isolation facilities, and 24 caretakers
and visitors. Psychosocial follow-up is also being conducted on the
two recovered persons, two separated children, 10 affected families,
nine discharged persons and two orphans. In the community 292
persons participated in 33 psychosocial sessions on different
aspects of the EVD response.

Laboratory analysis of samples from suspected EVD cases is also
ongoing.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The EVD outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
continues in the three affected health areas in Beni with no spread
to further areas in the past week. However, the high number of
contacts lost to follow-up remains a concern as this poses risk
of silent transmission and increased spread of the virus in the
community. The response efforts against EVD in Beni is currently
being affected by inadequate resources, health care workers strike,
lack of functional standardized isolation Centres in some areas, and
low water supply at the points of entry.

...

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/348305/OEW45-0107112021.pdf

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 46: 08 – 14 November 2021
Data as reported by: 17:00; 14 November 2021
...

Ebola virus disease Democratic Republic of the Congo

11 Cases
9 Death
81.80% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

There has been no new confirmed Ebola virus disease (EVD) case in Beni
Health Zone (HZ) in North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo in the past 14 days. The last known confirmed case
was reported on the 30 October 2021, with the case discharged on 4
November 2021.

The total number of EVD cases remains 11 as of 13 November 2021,
including eight confirmed cases (with four community deaths) and three
probable cases in Beni HZ.

The overall case fatality rate (CFR) is 81.8% (9/11) and 75.0% (6/8)
among confirmed cases.

At the moment, three (17.0%) out of the 18 health areas in Beni HZ have
reported confirmed cases, namely, Butsili (6 cases), Bundji (1 case) and
Ngilinga (1 case) Children under the age of five years account for 50.0%
(4/8) of the cases.

In Beni HZ, a total of 227 contacts are listed and 205 (890.3%) are under
active follow-up in 11 health areas. Of the total contacts, 13 (5.7%)
contacts had never been seen in the past 21 days, and three contact are
lost to follow-up.

On 13 November 2021, a total of 183 new alerts were notified including
9 deaths from Beni HZ. Of these, 127 (67.5%) were identified through
active case search, 43 (22.8%) from health facilities, 15 (7.9%) from
community and two from points of entry. In total 222 contacts were
listed from seven HZs, of these 219 (98.6%) were investigated, 31
(14.2%) were validated as suspected cases of EVD and samples were
collected from 30 (96.8%) suspected cases.

On 13 November 2021, two vaccination sites were operational and 18
probable cases were vaccinated from Mabakanga (11) and Paida (7). A
total of 608 persons have been vaccinated against EVD since the start of
vaccination activities. These include 98 high risk contacts, 274 contacts
of contacts and 236 probable contacts. Furthermore, 71 frontline health
care workers were vaccinated including 11 high risk contacts, 9 contacts
of contacts and 51 probable contacts.

On 13 November 2021, 40 samples including 22 swabs from three HZ
(Beni 27, Butembo 10 and Mabalako 3) were received and analysed at
the laboratory, and none tested positive for EVD. Cumulatively, a total
804 samples including 293 swabs have been collected, of which eight
were confirmed EVD cases.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

The head of the Provincial Health division of North Kivu conducted
a press briefing highlighting EVD outbreak response and prevention
measures with emphasis on vaccination.

Community sensitization was conducted at a school for the deaf
where 42 persons participated from Ndindi area of Kanzulinzuli HA.

In Butsili HA, 24 individuals were counselled on adherence to
the 21days follow-up period. More so, four exit counselling were
conducted for the non-cases discharged from the Beni EVD
treatment Centre.

A total of 12 740 home visits were conducted and 30 703 persons
were sensitized on EVD prevention on 13 November 2021; 284
alerts including 4 deaths were notified.

Re-orientation of the health workforce for early detection, isolation,
treatment of EVD cases as well as safe and dignified burials and the
infection prevention and control ring approach continues. Infection
prevention and control monitoring and education continues. A total
of 163 health care workers from 15 HAs were sensitized on IPC
standard practices. Thermo-scanners and hand wash kits were
distributed in health facilities.

Alert monitoring continues using both active and passive
surveillance in health facilities and communities.

Vaccination efforts continue around all confirmed cases.

Laboratory analysis of samples from suspected EVD cases is also
ongoing

A total of 86 606 (97.8%) travellers were screened among the 88
486 people who went through the different points of control; four
alerts were investigated and one validated as suspect case and was
isolated.

Psychosocial care is being offered to the eight suspected cases
including one at Beni EVD treatment Centre, and seven admitted at
Butsili, Malepe and Kanzulinzuli isolation facilities and 15 caretakers
and visitors. Psychosocial follow-up is also being conducted on
the two recovered persons, two separated children, 15 affected
families, 14 discharged persons and two orphans. In the community
307 persons participated in 29 psychosocial sessions on different
aspects of the EVD response.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The EVD outbreak in Beni HZ, North Kivu of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo continues in the three affected health areas and no new
confirmed case has been recorded in the past 14 days. However,
inadequate EVD surveillance in communities poses risk for further
spread.
The response activities against EVD in Beni is currently affected by
inadequate resources to mount a robust response, health care workers
strike, lack of functional standardized isolation centres in some areas and
challenges of optimal water supply at the points of entry.
...

http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/348840/OEW46-0814112021.pdf

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Translation google

Beni: no case of Ebola recorded for a month

Published on Tue, 11/30/2021 - 16:08 | Modified on Tue, 30/11/2021 - 16:08


No case of Ebola virus disease has been recorded in the areas of the Beni health zone since October 30.

The coordinator of the response in this region congratulates the health providers for their bravery but especially the population who have taken ownership of the fight against Ebola virus disease in the Beni health zone.

Dr Michel Tosalisana, response coordinator, let it be known on Monday in Beni, when the campaign was launched to receive the booster dose of the vaccine against Ebola virus disease in Beni.

For him, it is the result of the awareness of the population who voluntarily agreed to be vaccinated in order to curb the spread of the virus in the community.

Dr Michel Tosalisana also talks about insurance with the current licensed vaccine which is already available.

“It is since October 30 that we have no longer registered new cases. So hats off to you, the service providers, and to the community we work for. Last times we were using the experimental vaccine. And this time, the approved vaccine is there, we must be happy because, there are not many protocols, we can no longer sign a consent, because the vaccine is already approved ”.

He added that the hundreds of contact cases scattered around the community have been found and have voluntarily agreed to be vaccinated.

As a result, the health zone of Beni currently has no case of Ebola virus disease, said Dr Michel Tosalisana.

He calls on the population to continue with the observation of the health measures indicated by health professionals to block the road to this disease in the region.

https://www.radiookapi.net/2021/11/30/actualite/sante/beni-aucun-cas-debola-enregistre-depuis-un-mois

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 48: 22 – 28 November 2021
Data as reported by: 17:00; 28 November 2021
...

Ebola virus disease Democratic Republic of the Congo

11 Cases
9 Death
81.8% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The last known confirmed case of Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in
Beni Health Zone (HZ) in North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic
of the Congo was reported on the 30 October 2021. Therefore, 29 days
have elapsed with no positive EVD case reported.

The total number of EVD cases remains 11 as of 28 November 2021,
including eight confirmed cases (with four community deaths) and three
probable cases in Beni HZ. Two EVD survivors have been registered.
The overall case fatality rate (CFR) is 81.8% (9/11) and 75.0% (6/8)
among confirmed cases.

Thus far, three (17.0%) out of the 18 health areas in Beni HZ have
reported confirmed cases, namely, Butsili (6 cases), Bundji (1 case) and
Ngilinga (1 case). Children under the age of five years account for 50.0%
(4/8) of the cases.

As of 27 November 2021, all the listed contacts had completed their 21
days of follow-up period and were discharged from active monitoring.
One of the contacts lost to follow up was found on day 35 in Butsili HA.
A total 30 contacts remain unseen since day 1 of their follow-up period.
A total of 266 new alerts were notified including three deaths from three
health zones, of which 216 (81.0%) were investigated and 25 (8.2%)
validated as EVD suspected cases. Blood samples were collected from
all suspected cases.

On 27 November 2021, 14 frontline healthcare workers were vaccinated
from three sites (10 in Ngongolio, 3 in Mandrandele and 1 in Mabakanga).
The total number of people vaccinated since the beginning of the
vaccination activities is 696, including 98 high risk contacts, 300 contacts
of contacts and 258 probable contacts with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP vaccine
and 40 frontline health care workers with ERVEBO vaccine. Furthermore,
121 frontline health care workers were vaccinated, including 11 high risk
contacts, 37 contacts of contacts and 73 probable contacts.

Since the declaration of the EVD outbreak in Beni HZ, a total 1 163
samples including 439 swabs have been collected, of which eight were
confirmed EVD cases.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

The Chief Health Officer of Beni presided over a zonal coordination
committee meeting, during which the official delivery of a nursery
at Beni EVD treatment centre was made.

Community sensitization was conducted at a school for the deaf
where 42 persons participated from Ndindi area of Kanzulinzuli HA.

Two interactive radio talk shows were conducted with a focus on
the importance of community-based surveillance as a strategy to
control EVD.

In Butsili HA, 24 individuals were counselled on adherence to
the 21-day follow-up period. More so, four exit counselling were
conducted for the non-cases discharged from the Beni EVD
treatment Centre.

A total of 14 243 home visits were conducted and 43 004 persons
were sensitized on EVD prevention on 27 November 2021; 263
alerts were notified.

Alert monitoring continues using both active and passive
surveillance in health facilities and communities. The response
team visited 228 health facilities for active case finding and 216
alerts were listed. A total of 210 (97.2%) alerts were investigated
and of these, nine (4.2%) were validated as suspected cases of EVD
and samples were collected.

Three suspected cases are currently under medical care at the
isolation facilities in Boikene (1) and Kanzulinzuli (2).

A total of 100 473 travellers were screened out of 102 555 persons
that went through the different points of control. Six alerts were
notified from travellers at the points of entry, and none was validated
as a suspected case of EVD.

The three suspected cases in isolation centres are being offered
psychological support services, including 12 care takers. In the
community, 209 persons participated in 25 psychosocial sessions
on different aspects of the EVD response.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

In the past 29 days, no new confirmed case of EVD has been notified
in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Contact follow-up remains of
particular concern with many contacts lost to follow-up. Furthermore,
the response activities against EVD in Beni is currently affected by
inadequate resources for the response, and lack of efficient standardized
isolation centres in some areas.

...

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/349801/OEW48-2228112021.pdf

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Beni: the declaration of the end of the Ebola epidemic announced for December 15

Posted on Tue, 14/12/2021 - 05:33 | Modified on Tue, 14/12/2021 - 05:33

The declaration of the end of the 13th Ebola epidemic currently raging in the Beni health zone (North Kivu) will be declared by December 15, if no new case is notified. The communicator of the Butembo branch of the provincial health division declared this to the press on Monday, December 13.

For his part, Dr Bernardin Siviholya, head of the expanded vaccination program in the greater North Kivu, indicates that the vaccination of a large part of the population of Beni and Butembo during the 10th Ebola epidemic made it possible to better control illness this time around.

“For the 10th epidemic, we had vaccinated a lot in Beni. Thus, during this 13th epidemic, among the contacts and contacts of the contacts, there were many people who had already been vaccinated. Those who contracted the disease are people who were not vaccinated before. Out of 100 contacts, for example, there were easily ninety people already vaccinated. This is what made it possible to quickly contain this epidemic in the community. But for the providers, we decided to give a booster dose, to strengthen their immunities, ” said Dr Bernardin Siviholya.

The Minister of Health, Jean Jacques Mbungani, declared on October 8 a new epidemic of Ebola in the health zone of Beni in the province of North Kivu.

https://www.radiookapi.net/2021/12/14/actualite/sante/beni-la-declaration-de-la-fin-de-lepidemie-debola-annoncee-pour-le-15

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WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES

Week 50: 6 – 12 December 2021
Data as reported by: 17:00; 12 December 2021
...

Ebola virus disease Democratic Republic of the Congo

11 Cases
9 Death
81.8% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

No new Ebola virus disease (EVD) case was reported in Beni Health Zone
(HZ) in North Kivu Province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo in
past 39 days; making six days before the end of outbreak declaration.
The total number of EVD cases remains 11 as of 11 December 2021,
including eight confirmed cases (with four community deaths) and three
probable cases in Beni HZ.

The overall case fatality rate (CFR) is 81.8% (9/11) and 75.0% (6/8)
among confirmed cases.

Two EVD survivors have been registered. Thus far, three (17.0%) out of
the 18 health areas in Beni HZ have reported confirmed cases, namely,
Butsili (6 cases), Bundji (1 case) and Ngilinga (1 case). Children under
the age of five years account for 50.0% (4/8) of the cases.

There are currently no contacts being actively followed. All the listed
contacts competed the 21-day follow-up period and were discharged
from active follow-up and seven contacts remain un seen.

In Beni HZ, 295 new alerts including 9 deaths were notified on 10
December 2021, 182 (61.7%) were notified through active case search
and 33 (11.2%) through community alerts. A total of 378 alerts were
notified form six HZ, out of which 376 (99.5%) were investigated, 31
were validated as suspected cases of EVD and were all sampled for
laboratory testing.

On 10 December 2021, 166 frontline healthcare workers were vaccinated
from five operational vaccination sites (1 Butsili, 11 in Ngongolio, 29 in
Mandrandele, 51 in Paida and 74 in Mabakanga) with ERVEBO vaccine.
A total 1 508 persons have been vaccinated since the beginning of the
vaccination activities including 656 (98 high risk contacts, 300 contacts
of contacts and 258 probable contacts) with the rVSV-ZEBOV-GP vaccine
and 295 frontline healthcare workers with ERVEBO vaccine.

The laboratory received and analysed 34 samples including 24 swabs on
10 December 2021 from two HZ (Beni HZ and Butembo), none tested
positive for EVD. Cumulatively, a total 1 470 samples including 575
swabs have been collected of which eight were confirmed EVD cases.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Alert monitoring continues using both active cases finding from
health facilities visited during active case search and passive
surveillance.

Three newsletters in three languages were broadcasted on the
potential risk of EVD resurgence from consumption of meat from
wild animals through 3 local radio stations of Beni HZ.

Alert monitoring continues using both active and passive
surveillance in health facilities and communities.

A total of 10 suspected cases are being treated from four isolation
facilities (three in Bundji, one in Butsili, two in Malepe and four in
Kanzulinzuli).

Nine community deaths were notified on 10 December 2021. All
the bodies were secured and two full dignified and safe burials
conducted.

A total of 21 910 home visits were conducted and 58 137 persons
were sensitized on EVD prevention on 10 December 2021; 326
alerts were notified including nine deaths.

At the points of entry 90 319 (97.7%) travellers were screened out
of the 92 442 persons who went through the different points of
control. Six alerts were notified from travellers at the points of entry
and one was validated as suspected cases of EVD and was isolated.
Psychosocial support has been offered to five affected families
in preparation for announcement of any negative results. In the
community, 200 persons participated in 23 psychosocial sessions
on different aspects of the EVD response.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

With six days left to the declaration of the end of the EVD outbreak in
Beni HZ, North Kivu of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the country is
on course to have successfully controlled its 13 EVD outbreak. There are
currently no contacts under active follow-up. Contact follow-up remains
of concern with many contacts lost to follow-up. In addition, response
activities against EVD in Beni are currently affected by inadequate
resources for the response.

PROPOSED ACTIONS

The response teams need to strengthen community engagement to
increase uptake of EVD preventive measures, especially vaccination.
Challenges around community surveillance, contact follow-up and
other response measures need urgent action.

...

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/350534/OEW50-0612122021.pdf

[Shiloh]

Source: https://www.who.int/emergencies/dise...em/2021-DON351


Ebola virus disease – Democratic Republic of the Congo
16 December 2021


On 16 December 2021, the Ministry of Health (MoH) of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) declared the end of the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak that affected Beni Health Zone (HZ) in North Kivu Province, DRC. The declaration was made in accordance with WHO recommendations , 42-days after the second negative test of the last confirmed case.

Between 8 October to 16 December, a total of 11 cases (eight confirmed, three probable) including nine deaths and two survivors have been reported from Beni HZ. Of the nine deaths, seven were in the community and two occurred at the Ebola Treatment Centre (ETC). The overall case fatality ratio (CFR) is 82% (9/11) among total cases while 75% (6/8) among confirmed cases.
This outbreak was declared on 8 October 2021 when the index case; a 3-year-old boy developed symptoms including physical weakness, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, breathing difficulty, dark stool and blood in their vomit and later died on 6 October (for more details, please see the Disease Outbreak News published on 10 October 2021).
On 7 October, samples were tested using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) at the National Institute of Biomedical Research (INRB) laboratory in Beni. These were later sent to the Rodolphe Mérieux INRB Laboratory, Goma on 8 October and EVD was confirmed by RT-PCR on the same day. This event followed a cluster of three deaths (two children and their father) who were neighbours of the index case. These three patients died on 14, 19 and 29 September after developing symptoms consistent with Ebola, however, none were tested for the virus. Full genome sequencing, performed by the INRB in Kinshasa city, from the initial confirmed case indicates that this outbreak was not the result of a new zoonosis from an animal reservoir but was linked to a persistent Ebola virus infection.
During the outbreak period (8 October to 16 December 2021), three (16%) of the 19 health areas in Beni HZ reported confirmed cases, namely, Butsili (six cases), Bundji (one case) and Ngilinga (one case). Children under the age of five years accounted for 50% (4/8) of all confirmed cases. To date, all contacts completed their 21-day follow-up period and were discharged from active follow-up.
Additionally, from 8 October to 13 December, a total of 21 916 alerts were reported from nine health zones including 15 642 from Beni, 21 558 (98%) of which were investigated and 1709 were validated as suspected cases of EVD.


Public health response

The Ministry of Health (MoH), together with WHO and other partners, initiated measures to control the outbreak and prevent its further spread. The MoH activated the national and district emergency management committees to coordinate the response. Multidisciplinary teams were deployed to the field to actively search and provide care for cases; identify, reach and follow-up contacts; and sensitize communities on the outbreak prevention and control interventions.
In addition, the following public health measures were taken in response to the EVD outbreak;

• Continued use of alert monitoring for active case finding in health facilities as well as during passive surveillance.
• For the first time ever, licensed doses of ERVEBO vaccine (4,800) have been delivered in response to an EVD outbreak, through the International Coordinating Group (ICG) in vaccine provision mechanism. Vaccination with ERVEBO started on 25 November and as of 14 December, a total of 1193 frontline workers have been vaccinated with Ervebo.
• Vaccination activities with investigational doses were initiated on 13 October. As of 22 November, 656 people have been vaccinated with investigational doses, including 98 high risk contacts, 300 contacts of contacts and 258 probable contacts; of these 81 are frontline workers.
• As of 14 December, a total 1 827 samples including 834 swabs have been tested; of which eight were confirmed EVD cases at INRB field laboratories in Beni, Butembo, Mangina and Goma.
• Establishment of an ETC and other health facilities with capacity to care for suspected cases. Three alive confirmed patients received approved monoclonal antibodies at Beni ETC, two of them have since recovered from EVD.
• Strengthening of Infection Prevention and Control (IPC) capacities at 83 priority health facilities through IPC kit donations, training, supportive supervision, evaluation and other activities. Additional support was provided to 221 other health facilities through kit donations and briefing of health providers.
• From the declaration of the outbreak on 8 October to 12 December, a total of 14 points of entry were set up which screened 4 745 892 people and validated 216 alerts. None were confirmed.
• Training and re-training of the health workforce for early detection, isolation, and treatment of EVD cases as well as re-training on safe and dignified burials and IPC activities were conducted.
• Multiple community groups conducted risk communication and community sensitisation activities, using a wide range of communication channels (community dialogues, community radio, social media etc), to raise awareness of Ebola throughout the course of this outbreak. The communities were also engaged in response interventions. Additionally, a joint feedback mechanism was set-up across eight partners to record rumours, questions, and comments from communities. This has allowed for targeted communication and timely dialogue with communities.
• Psychosocial support has been offered to affected individuals and families including psychological support to confirmed and suspected patients, their close family and children as needed. In the communities, psychosocial sessions were regularly organized on different aspects of the EVD response.
• An integrated outbreak analytics (IOA) cell was set up in Beni, under the MoH’s leadership and in collaboration with the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network (GOARN) partners. The IOA cell provided five ad hoc surveys and analyses to answer operational and strategic questions (lessons learned from Beni 2018-2020; EVD risks in children; alert performance evaluation; perception and behaviours among health workers; health seeking behaviours) and contributed to the co-development of evidence-based strategic and operational recommendations.
• The International Federation of the Red Cross and Red Crescent supported the national Congolese Red Cross in delivering safe and dignified burials throughout the outbreak.
• WHO continued to support the DRC MOH in implementing the EVD survivor care programme. The two people who recovered are entitled to an 18-month medical and psychological follow-up along with biological testing.

WHO risk assessment

The current re-emergence of EVD is the fifth outbreak in less than three years. The last EVD outbreak was reported in North Kivu Province earlier this year in February and was declared over on 3 May 2021 (for more details please see the Disease Outbreak News published on 4 May 2021)
All probable and confirmed EVD cases were identified in three health areas of Beni HZ, within the densely populated city of Beni. WHO continues to monitor the situation and the risk assessment will be updated as more information is available.
WHO has noted that although the current resurgence is undesirable, it is not unexpected given the fact that EVD is enzootic in the DRC and the Ebola virus is present in animal reservoirs in the region; it means that the risk of re-emergence through exposure to an animal host cannot be excluded. In addition, it is not unusual for sporadic cases to occur following a major outbreak. The Ebola virus can persist in certain body fluids of EVD survivors. In a limited number of cases, secondary transmissions resulting from exposure to survivors' body fluids have occurred. Therefore, maintaining collaborative relationships with survivor associations while monitoring survivors is a priority to mitigate any potential risk.
Re-emergence of EVD is a major public health issue in the DRC and there are gaps in the country’s capacity to prepare for and respond to outbreaks. A confluence of environmental and socioeconomic factors including poverty, community mistrust, weak health systems, and political instability is accelerating the rate of the emergence of EVD in the DRC.
WHO considers that ongoing challenges in terms of access and security, epidemiological surveillance, coupled with the emergence of COVID-19, as well as ongoing outbreaks such as cholera and measles might jeopardize the country’s ability to rapidly detect and respond to the re-emergence...