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

Pathfinder · Jun 30, 2020

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 26: 22 - 28 June 2020
Data as reported by: 17:00; 28 June 2020
...
Ebola virus disease Democratic Republic of the Congo
(?quateur Province)

28 Cases
13 Deaths
46.4% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in ?quateur Province,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, continues to evolve. Since our last
report (Weekly Bulletin 25), five additional confirmed EVD cases have
been reported. A new confirmed case was reported on 27 June 2020 in
Bikoro Health Zone, the wife of a confirmed case reported on 26 June
2020. She had not yet been listed as a contact, or vaccinated.
As of 27 June 2020 there are a total of 28 cases (25 confirmed and
three probable) including 13 deaths (case fatality ratio 46.4%). The case
fatality ratio among confirmed cases is 40% (10 deaths/25 confirmed
cases). Two health workers are among the confirmed cases since the
start of the outbreak, making up 7.1% of all cases. During the last 21
days, 16 confirmed cases have been recorded in eight of the 12 affected
health areas, in the five affected health zones.

Three of the four reporting health zones reported contact data for 27
June 2020. Contact tracking data for Bolomba Health Zone was not
available. Two health zones notified 104 new contacts on this day. A
total of 810 (93.6%) out of 865 contacts were seen in the preceding 24
hours. Of these, 375 (43.4%) were vaccinated. Six health zones reported
alerts on 27 June 2020, with a total of 112 new alerts, including three
deaths, were recorded. Overall, there have been 195 alerts, of which
174 (59.5%) were investigated and 56 (48.3%) were validated as new
suspected cases, eight of which were sampled.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Regular coordination meetings continue and two epidemiologists
were deployed to the Bikoro Health Zone to support the response
team.

The Strategic Communication plan on EVD and COVID-19 in
Equateur Province was validated.

An update of mapping of health facilities, traditional practitioners
and churches in the three health zones in Mbandaka town continued
on 27 June 2020.

On 27 June 2020, 662 screenings were conducted among the 1 066
registered travellers at the 9/16 active PoCs that reported on 20 June
2020. Since the start of the response, a total of 191 250 screenings
of travellers were carried out among 201 864 travellers registered
at the active PoCs. Eight alerts were identified, of which two were
validated.

As of 27 June 2020, 31 samples were received in the Mbandaka
laboratory and 10 in the Bikoro laboratory, one of which was
confirmed as positive; since the start of the response, 264 samples
have been tested.

A total of 260 new people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP
on 27 June 2020, including 86 high risk contacts, 138 contacts of
contacts and 36 probable contacts. Eight of the nine vaccination rings
planned for the day were covered, 1/1 in Bikoro, 2/2 in Bolomba, 3/4
in Mbandaka and 2/2 in Wangata. Only one planned vaccination ring
remains uncovered in Mbandaka Health Zone. Since 5 June 2020, a
total of 6 336 people have been vaccinated.

A total of 23 patients, including eight confirmed patients were
managed in the transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in affected
areas. The new confirmed case of 27 June 2020 was admitted to
the Bikoro ETC. One suspected case in Wangata absconded and five
confirmed cases are still in the community including two in Bikoro,
one in Bolomba, one in Mbandaka and one in Wangata.

Infection prevention and control measures continue, with one
health facility and six households decontaminated in Bikoro and
one household in Mbandaka. Four health facilities in the Mbandaka
and Wangata health zones were equipped with IPC kits, as was
the Bolomba ETC and 30 households in the Bikoro Health Zone. A
further six health facilities in Bolomba, Mbandaka and Wangata were
monitored and supported and 75 providers were briefed on response
topics.

A community death alert was identified in Bolenge Health Zone, but
a safe and dignified burial could not be carried out due to family
resistance.

In the Bikoro and Wangata health zones, members of community
outreach programmes carried out 1 413 home visits to sensitize
people on EVD response and prevention measures. In addition, 937
people in Wangata Health Zone were sensitized on barrier measures
to prevent EVD and COVID-19 by the Young Adolescent Movement,
with 913 leaflets distributed. The briefing and risk communication
and community involvement of Red Cross volunteers in Mbandaka
town continued.

The security situation remains relatively calm with the exception of
some isolated cases of resistance to response interventions.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

This new outbreak of EVD continues to evolve, with new confirmed cases
and deaths and continued incidences of confirmed cases remaining in the
community and loss of contacts to follow-up. However, all pillars of response
are active in the affected areas and contacts are being followed up where
possible. Community engagement is underway and there are few incidences
of resistance to the response. Public health measures, particularly a strong
and robust surveillance system, required to detect, isolate and treat new
suspected cases as early as possible is required to break any new chains
of transmission, along with full community engagement with response
measures. Current community engagement and education includes EVD
and COVID-19, with the risk communication strategy for both outbreaks
working in tandem.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/332877/OEW26-2228062020.pdf

Pathfinder · Jul 7, 2020

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 27: 29 June - 5 July 2020
Data as reported by: 17:00; 5 July 2020
...
Ebola virus disease
Democratic Republic of the Congo
(?quateur Province)

41 Cases
17 Deaths
41.5% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in ?quateur Province,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, continues to evolve. Since
our last report (Weekly Bulletin 26), 13 additional confirmed EVD
cases have been reported, with four new deaths, one of which
is a community death of a confirmed case. Five new cases were
reported on 4 July 2020, two in Bolomba, and one each in Iboko,
Mbandaka and Bikoro. Three of the new cases were listed as
contacts, but only one was followed-up and only one of the five
had been vaccinated. In addition, two community deaths were
among the day’s confirmed cases, one each in Bikoro and Iboko.
As of 4 July 2020, there are a total of 41 cases (38 confirmed and
three probable) including 17 deaths (case fatality ratio 41.5%).

The case fatality ratio among confirmed cases is 36.8% (14
deaths/38 confirmed cases). Two health workers are among the
confirmed cases since the start of the outbreak, making up 4.9%
of all cases. To date, five out of 18 health zones and 13 out of
281 health areas in ?quateur Province have reported at least one
confirmed or probably case of EVD. In the past 21 days (from 14
June 2020 to 4 July 2020), 24 confirmed cases of EVD have been
reported in nine health zones.

All five health zones reported contacts on 4 July 2020, with a total
of 158 contacts registered in three health zones. To date there
are 3 596 active contacts, of which 2 449 (68.1%) were seen in
the past 24 hours. A total of 30 contacts became symptomatic,
including 22 in Bolomba, six in Iboko and two in Bikoroa.
Seventy-nine percent (2 850/3 596) of active contact were
vaccinated. Six health zones reported alerts, with 244 new alerts,
six of which were deaths. A total of 331 alerts were reported on 4
July 2020, of which 270 (81.6%) were investigated, 99 (36.7%)
were validated and 34 (34.3%) were sampled.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Regular coordination meetings continue and two
epidemiologists were deployed to the Bikoro Health Zone to
support the response team.

The Strategic Communication plan on EVD and COVID-19 in
?quateur Province was validated.

On 4 July 2020, 5 206 travellers were screened among the
5 876 registered at the 6/16 active Points of Control (PoCs)
reporting. Since the start of the response, a total of 228 637
screenings of travellers were carried out among 249 238
travellers registered at the active PoCs. Eight alerts were
identified, of which two were validated.

As of 4 July 2020, 74 samples were received in the Mbandaka
laboratory and 16 in the Bikoro laboratory, five of which were
confirmed as positive. Since the start of the response, 514
samples have been tested.

A total of 299 new people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOVGP
on 4 July 2020, including 38 high risk contacts, 228
contacts of contacts and 33 probable contacts.

Since 5 June 2020, a total of 8 758 people has been vaccinated.

A total of 70 patients, including 14 confirmed patients were
managed in the transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in
affected areas.

Infection prevention and control measures continue, with
health facilities in Mbandaka and Wangata evaluated and
supported, as well as briefing of 16 health workers on the
importance of hand hygiene; two facilities in the Mbandaka
Health Zone received IPC kits.

Three community death alerts were raised and a safe and
dignified burial conducted for all three.

Community engagement continues, with sensitization of the
population of Mpenda, Bikoro Health Zone on the importance
of medical care in ETCs; a motorized caravan was organized
in Mbandaka town, with posters and leaflets on EVD and
COVID-19 distributed; and 3 445 households were visited
by community action units in Bikoro, Bolenge, Bolomoba,
Mbandaka and Wangata.

The security situation remains relatively calm, with the
exception of some isolated cases of community resistance to
response interventions.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

This new outbreak of EVD is evolving rapidly, with new confirmed
cases and deaths occurring. The continued presence of confirmed
cases in the community and the lack of follow-up of contacts is of
grave concern. However, all pillars of response are active in the
affected areas and contacts are being followed up where possible.
Community engagement is underway and there are few incidences
of resistance to the response. Public health measures, particularly
a strong and robust surveillance system, required to detect, isolate
and treat new suspected cases as early as possible is required to
break any new chains of transmission, along with full community
engagement in the response measures. Current community
engagement and education cover both EVD and COVID-19, with the
risk communication strategy for both outbreaks working in tandem.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/332993/OEW27-290505072020.pdf

Pathfinder · Jul 14, 2020

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 28: 6 - 12 July 2020
Data as reported by: 17:00; 12 July 2020
...
Ebola virus disease Democratic Republic of the Congo
(?quateur Province)

49 Cases
20 Deaths
41.5% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in ?quateur Province,
Democratic Republic of the Congo, continues to evolve, with a further
health zone and more health areas affected. Since our last report (Weekly
Bulletin 27), eight additional confirmed EVD cases have been reported,
with three new deaths. A total of six confirmed cases are known to be
still in the community, two in Bikoro, two in Lotumbe and one each in
Mbandaka and Wangata.

As of 11 July 2020, there are a total of 49 cases (46 confirmed and
three probable) including 20 deaths (case fatality ratio 40.8%). The case
fatality ratio among confirmed cases is 37% (17 deaths/46 confirmed
cases). Two health workers are among the confirmed cases since the
start of the outbreak, making up 4.1% of all cases. To date, six out of 18
health zones and 18 out of 281 health areas in ?quateur Province have
reported at least one confirmed or probably case of EVD. In the past 21
days (from 21 June 2020 to 11 July 2020), 26 confirmed cases of EVD
have been reported in 14 health areas in five health zones.

All five health zones reported contacts on 11 July 2020, with 27 new
contacts registered, 22 in Mbandaka and five in Iboko. The proportion of
contacts followed-up (4 977/5 580) was 89.2%. A total of 118 contacts
were not seen in the past 24 hours, of which13 (11%) were lost to
follow-up, 20 (19.5%) were not in the area and the remaining 23 (19.5%)
have never been seen. A total of 564 contacts completed their follow-up
period. Seven health zones reported alerts, including Lotumbe Health
Zone. A total of 518 new alerts were reported, including four deaths,
well above the average of the previous seven days (average=323). A
total of 546 alerts were recorded on 11 July 2020, of which 493 (90.3%)
were investigated and 125 (25.4%) were validated as suspicious.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Two surveillance teams deployed to Lotumbe are continuing indepth
investigations and contact listing around confirmed cases
of 7 July 2020 and are also continuing to search for two high-risk
contacts in South Ubangi and Tshuapa provinces.

On 11 July 2020, 15/16 of the active Points of Control (PoCs)
(93.8%) reported. A total of 7 739 travellers passed through these
PoCs and 7 066 (91.3%) were screened. No alerts were recorded.
Since the start of the response activities, 273 769 (92%) screenings
have been performed among the 297 579 travellers who have passed
through the active PoCs. Out of these 11 alerts have been detected,
with four validated.

As of 11 July 2020, 92 samples were received in operational
laboratories; Bikoro (16), Itipo (15) and Mbandaka (61). None of the
samples were positive for Ebola virus. Since the start of the outbreak
a total of 962 samples have been tested.

Training of samplers in the affected health zones has started, as well
as ongoing on-site training of laboratory technicians in the various
operational sites on laboratory techniques and stock management.
A total of 411 new people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP
on 11 July 2020, including 121 high risk contacts, 283 contacts of
contacts and seven probable contacts.

Since 5 June 2020, a total of 11 327 people has been vaccinated.
A total of 50 patients, including 12 confirmed patients were managed
in the transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in affected areas as
of 11 July 2020, with bed occupancy at 50%.

The Bikoro ETC was nearly full for the second successive day and the
Lotumbe general reference hospital was overcrowded.
A community death alert was raised in Bikoro, but no sampling or
safe and dignified burial could be carried out.

As of 11 July 2020, five health facilities in Mbandaka (2), Wangata
(2) and Bolombo (1) and 15 households in Bikoro were equipped
with IPC kits. Monitoring and supervision of 18 health facilities in the
Mbandaka, Bolomboa and Bolenge health zones took place and 107
providers were briefed on hand hygiene, injection safety and safe
disposal of hospital waste.

Risk communication, mobilization and community engagement
continues, with an advocacy session conducted with the Territory
Administrator and the customary chief and representative of the
indigenous peoples of Bikoro. Community outreach units visited 2
159 households and five educational talks were held in the Bolomba,
Likolo and Boso Semodja health areas in Bolomba Health Zone.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

New confirmed and probable cases of EVD continue in this region, albeit at a
relatively slow rate. However, the continued presence of confirmed cases in
the community, along with contacts lost to follow-up, are of grave concern,
given the highly infectious nature of the disease. All pillars of response
are active in all affected areas and robust public health measures continue
to be implemented, along with ring vaccination. The security situation
appears relatively calm, with a few pockets of resistance, and support is
being provided to the various commissions deployed on the ground. Public
health measures, particularly a strong and robust surveillance system,
required to detect, isolate and treat new suspected cases as early as
possible is required to break any new chains of transmission, along with
full community engagement in the response measures. Current community
engagement and education cover both EVD and COVID-19, with the risk
communication strategy for both outbreaks working in tandem.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/333222/OEW28-0612072020.pdf

Pathfinder · Jul 16, 2020

Democratic Republic of the Congo Ebola cases rise, surpass previous outbreak

16 July 2020

Brazzaville – The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s (DRC) Equateur Province continues to grow, causing major concern as the World Health Organization (WHO) and partners face critical funding gaps. Confirmed cases have now surpassed the total number recorded during the province’s last outbreak in 2018.

The latest outbreak, DRC’s 11th, was declared on 1 June 2020 after a cluster of cases was detected in Mbandaka area of Equateur Province. The outbreak has since spread to six health zones, with 56 cases recorded. The city of Mbandaka and its surroundings were also the site of the country’s 9th Ebola outbreak which lasted from May to July 2018 and in which 54 cases were confirmed.

Of the 56 cases reported so far, 53 are confirmed and three are probable. In the last three weeks alone, 28 cases have been confirmed.

“Responding to Ebola in the midst of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic is complex, but we must not let COVID-19 distract us from tackling other pressing health threats,” said Dr Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. “The current Ebola outbreak is running into headwinds because cases are scattered across remote areas in dense rain forests. This makes for a costly response as ensuring that responders and supplies reach affected populations is extremely challenging.”

The ongoing Ebola response is also facing funding shortfalls. So far WHO has mobilized US$ 1.75 million, which will last only a few more weeks. Additional support is needed to rapidly scale up the efforts by WHO, the DRC health authorities and partners to ensure all the affected communities receive key services including health education and community engagement, vaccination, testing, contact tracing and treatment.

Significant achievements have been made since the outbreak began. In six weeks, more than 12 000 people have been vaccinated. During the 2018 outbreak in Equateur, it took two weeks to start vaccinations. This time around vaccinations started within four days of the outbreak being declared.

The current response builds on lessons learned from the country’s previous Ebola outbreaks, which underscored the importance of working closely with communities. Around 90% of the vaccinators in the ongoing outbreak are from the local communities. The response has also been able to tap into the expertise of laboratory technicians trained during the 2018 outbreak, with 26 laboratory technicians currently supporting diagnostics. Working with local responders is inspiring trust between communities and health workers and making the emergency response more effective.

WHO, along with the Ministry of Health and partners, has been engaging with communities to increase understanding of the virus and local support for response activities. More than 40 000 households have been visited by community health workers and more than 273 000 people have been provided with health and safety information.

https://www.afro.who.int/news/democr...vious-outbreak

Pathfinder · Jul 21, 2020

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 29: 13 - 19 July 2020
Data as reported by: 17:00; 19 July 2020
...

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

58 Cases
22 Deaths
37.9% CFR

EVENT DESCRIPTION

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in ?quateur Province, Democratic
Republic of the Congo, continues to evolve, with 19 health areas in six
health zones affected. Since our last report (Weekly Bulletin 28), another
eight additional confirmed EVD cases have been reported, with two new
deaths, one of which was among the newly confirmed cases. One of the
new cases confirmed on 16 July 2020 in the Bolomba Health Zone, was
not listed as a contact or vaccinated, although there were two suspicious
deaths in his close family, including his wife. Further investigations are
underway to confirm if this is part of the current transmission chain, or a
new outbreak.

As of 16 July 2020, there are a total of 58 cases (54 confirmed and four
probable) including 22 deaths (case fatality ratio 37.9%). The case fatality
ratio among confirmed cases is 33% (18 deaths/54 confirmed cases).
Three health workers are among the confirmed cases, making up 5.2%
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 19, in six of the 18 health zones in the province. In the past 21
days (26 June to 16 July 2020), confirmed cases have been reported in 14
health areas across five health zones.

Five out of the six health zones reported contacts on 16 July 2020. Of the
476 new contacts reported, 255 (53.6%) were reported from Bikoro and
192 (40.3%) from Bolomba. Out of 5 929 active contacts, 5 259 (88.7%)
had been seen in the previous 24 hours. Of the 179 contacts who were not
seen in this 24-hour period, 66 (36.9%) have never been seen, 63 (35.2%)
were not seen in the past 24 hours, 27 (15.1%) were away from home and
23 (12.8%) are lost to follow-up. In addition, 36 contacts have become
symptomatic, including 21 in Bikoro, nine in Bolomboa, four in Mbandaka
and two in Iboko. Two contacts completed their follow-up period in
Bolomba. Seven health zones reported alert data on 16 July 2020, with
460 new alerts reported, including eight deaths. A total of 560 alerts were
reported, of which 459 (82%) were investigated. Of these, 111 (24.2%)
were validated as suspected cases and 30 (27%) were investigated.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

On 16 July 2020, an evaluation meeting was held in Lotumbe, during
which each partner reported their action plans and there is a planned
briefing of response staff on prevention of sexual exploitation and
abuse in Mbandaka coordination and the sub-coordinations of
Bolomba, Bikoro and Itipo.

On 16 July 2020, 15 of the 16 active Points of Control (PoCs) reported.
A total of 11 684 travellers passed through these PoCs and 11 311
(96.8%) were screened. No alerts were recorded. Since the start of the
response activities, 314 289 (92.4%) screenings have been performed
among the 340 267 travellers who have passed through the active
PoCs. Out of these 11 alerts have been detected, with four validated.
As of 16 July 2020, 62 samples were received in operational
laboratories; Bikoro (13), Itipo (158) and Mbandaka (41). One sample
was positive for Ebola virus. Since the start of the outbreak a total of 1
308 samples have been tested.

A total of 430 additional people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP
on 16 July 2020, including 175 high risk contacts, 241 contacts of
contacts and 14 probable contacts.

Since 5 June 2020, a total of 12 640 people has been vaccinated.
A total of 56 patients, including 11 confirmed patients were managed
in the transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in affected areas as
of 16 July 2020, with bed occupancy at 50%. The treatment centre in
Itipo, Iboko was full.

Nine confirmed cases of EVD remain in the community, including three
in Bikoro, two in Lotumbe, one in Bolomba, two in Mbandaka and one
in Wangata.

Three community death alerts were raised in Mbandaka and Bikoro
health zones, with two safe and dignified burials conducted.
As of 16 July 2020, infection prevention and control (IPC) monitoring
and support was provided in 19 health facilities in Wangata, Bolomba.
Bolenge and Mbandaka; 71 providers were briefed on the importance
of triage, hand hygiene, injection safety and waste management; 66
households in Mbandaka and Bikoro as well as 21 health facilities in
Bolenge, Bolomba, Mbandaka and Wangata received IPC kits, and one
health facility in Bikoro and five households in Bikoro, Bolemba and
Mbandaka were decontaminated. Five health facilities in Mbandaka
Health Zone were evaluated, receiving an average score of 27.2%.

Risk communication, mobilization and community engagement
continues, with 25 motorcyclists from Ipeko health area, Mbandaka
briefed on EVD prevention; community dialogues on perception of EVD
and strengthening community awareness were held on 16 July 2020
in Mbandaka and Wangata health zones, with the participation of 75
street leaders and 25 youth leaders. Community action groups also
visited 1 235 households and provided educational talks.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The EVD outbreak in ?quateur Province is escalating, with increasing new
confirmed cases along with geographical spread to new health areas. The
continued presence of confirmed cases in the community is of particular
concern, with the risk of further transmission arising as a result, along with
contacts completely lost to follow-up. The large numbers of travellers being
screened show how busy this area of the country is, with easy links by river to
the rest of the region. However, all pillars of response are active in all affected
areas and robust public health measures continue to be implemented, along
with ring vaccination. These efforts must be sustained, with a strong and
robust surveillance system in place to detect, isolate and treat new suspected
cases early to break new chains of transmission. Full community engagement
is vital to this response, particularly in the face of the COVID-19 outbreak in the
country, which requires the same robust public health measures and strong
community engagement.
...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/...=1&isAllowed=y

Pathfinder · Aug 4, 2020

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 31: 27 July - 2 August 2020
Data as reported by: 17:00; 2 August 2020
...

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

73 Cases
31 Deaths
42.5% 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 27 health areas in eight
health zones affected. Since our last report (Weekly Bulletin 30), another
six additional confirmed EVD cases have been reported, with no new
deaths. However, there have been no new confirmed cases of EVD for
the second consecutive day.

As of 1 August 2020, there are a total of 73 cases (69 confirmed and
four probable) including 31 deaths (case fatality ratio 42.5%). The case
fatality ratio among confirmed cases is 42.9% (27 deaths/63 confirmed
cases). The number of health workers affected remains at three, making
up 4.1% 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 27, in eight of the 18 health zones in the province.
In the past 21 days (12 July to 1 August 2020), 23 confirmed cases have
been reported in 20 health areas across six health zones.

Four out of six health zones have listed contacts, with 451 new contacts
listed, most (360; 79.8%) from Bikoro Health Zone. In the 24 hours up
to 1 August 2020, only 3 390 of the 4 775 active contacts were seen
(71%). There were 194 unseen contacts, of which 46 (23.7%) have
never been seen, 19 (9.8%) were lost to follow-up and 129 (66.5%) were
seen in the past 24 hours. A total of 11 contacts became symptomatic,
six in Bikoro, three in Ingende and two in Mbandaka. A total of 294
contacts have completed their follow-up period in Bikoro. Six health
zones reported alerts on 1 August 2020, with 411 new alerts, including
nine deaths, registered. Of these 150 (53.8%) were from Bikoro and 71
from Mbandaka. A total of 676 alerts have been registered to date, of
which 494 (73.1%) have been investigated, and 113 (73.1%) have been
validated. Active case finding was conducted in 190 out of 312 health
facilities and 136 alerts were detected, with 10 (7.4%) validated.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

Five new Points of Control (PoCs) were installed in Bikoro, all of
which have started reporting.

On 1 August 2020, all 19/21 active PoCs reported. A total of
14 218 travellers passed through these PoCs and 13 342 (93.8%)
were screened. Two new alerts were reported, from Trois-Rivi?rs,
Mbandaka Health Zone and the second in Ikengo, Mbandaka Health
Zone. Since the start of the response activities, 446 442 (93.4%)
screenings have been performed among the 477 835 travellers who
have passed through the active PoCs. Out of these 38 alerts have
been detected, with 17 validated.

As of 1 August 2020, 118 samples were received in operational
laboratories, with 110 analysed; 36 in Bikoro, 32 in Mbandaka, 27
in Bolomba and 15 in Itipo. Since the start of the outbreak a total of
2 635 samples have been tested.
A total of 143 new people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP
on 1 August 2020, including 11 high risk contacts, 115 contacts of
contacts and 19 probable contacts.

Since 5 June 2020, a total of 18 814 people has been vaccinated.

A total of 61 patients, including eight confirmed patients were
managed in the transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in
affected areas as of 1 August 2020, with bed occupancy at 47.3%.

The treatment centre in Bikoro is over-capacity.

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

Seven alerts of community deaths were received from Bolomba,
Iboko, Ingende and Mbandaka, but only two safe and dignified
burials could be carried out.

As of 1 August 2020, infection prevention and control (IPC)
monitoring and support was provided in Bolomba, Bikoro and Iboko
health zones and 20 households in Bikoro, which have been equipped
with IPC and WASH kits, with an additional 25 health facilities in
affected health zones monitored and supported; 134 providers have
been briefed on response topics.

Risk communication, mobilization and community engagement
continues, with continued engagement with celebrities from
Mbandaka and 20 biker leaders from Wangata participating in
community dialogues on EVD perceptions; community outreach
groups and women’s associations taking part in community
dialogues on perceptions of EVD. To date, a total of 81 559 people
have been reached in educational talks.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The EVD outbreak in ?quateur Province continues to rise, with increasing
new confirmed cases along with geographical spread to new health
areas. Challenges around inadequate resources for alert investigations
in Mbandaka, and in case management in rural and hard-to-reach areas
continue. The constant presence of confirmed cases in the community is
of particular concern, along with suspected cases who are not isolated.
Additionally, there are insufficient funds available to cover the response
required. Although all pillars of response are active in the affected areas,
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.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/333629/OEW31-270703082020.pdf?

Pathfinder · Aug 5, 2020

Translation Google

Wednesday August 5, 2020 - 3:12 PM

Ebola-Equateur: 1 new confirmed case and 1 more death in Ingende

The technical secretariat for the fight against the Ebola virus disease reports a new case of contamination, recorded in Bokatola in the health zone of Ingende (Equateur) for Tuesday, August 4. Still on site, a new case of death was notified. In the ranks of the cured, no new person left the Ebola treatment centers (CTE).

Since the start of this 11th Ebola epidemic declared on June 01, 2020, the cumulative number of cases is 74, including 70 confirmed and 4 probable. In total, there were 32 deaths (28 confirmed and 4 probable) and 27 winners (people cured or survivors of EVD).

The 7 affected health zones are Bikoro, Bolomba, Iboko, Mbandaka, Lutumbe, Wangata and Ingende.

https://actualite.cd/2020/08/05/ebol...e-plus-ingende

Pathfinder · Aug 7, 2020

Translation Google

DR Congo: Humanitarian information note - Ebola virus disease epidemic in Equateur - August 06, 2020, report # 43

Source OCHA Posted 7 Aug 2020 Originally published 6 Aug 2020

FIGURES & HIGHLIGHTS

• Three new cases confirmed in the health zones of Bikoro and Ingende

• The Secretary General of Public Health visiting Mbandaka

STATISTICS SINCE THE BEGINNING OF THE EPIDEMIC cases reported including 73 confirmed and 4 probable Health areas affected in 8 health zones cured deaths including 29 confirmed and 4 probable

OVERVIEW OF THE SITUATION

On August 05, three new cases were confirmed, two in Ingende (including a child under 5) and one in Bikoro.

According to the coordination of the response, the number of confirmed cases of Ebola continues to increase in Ingende, which thus becomes the fourth most affected health zone, with a total of 6 cases, behind Bolomba, 13 cases, Mbandaka, 19 cases and finally Bikoro which totals 23 cases.

The Secretary General of the Ministry of Health has been staying in Mbandaka since August 05 to assess the progress as well as the difficulties and gaps in the response. While welcoming the work done by the teams on site, he made a few recommendations, including strengthening community mobilization through awareness-raising. He also mentioned the need to strengthen the capacities of health zones in order to guarantee a faster and more efficient response.

Bikoro health zone

The Bikoro Ebola treatment center has exceeded its capacity. Indeed, fifty-six suspect patients are currently admitted there while it has only 43 beds. This influx of suspected cases is undoubtedly the consequence of the search activities launched a few days ago. While some have arrived at CTE on their own, other high-risk contacts remain in the community. Given the high number of suspects in Bikoro, the CTE welcomes both suspected and confirmed cases. In order to compensate for this saturation, a new CTE is being built, alongside the current one, by IMC.

Iboko / Itipo health zone

An IOM team is in the IBOKO / ITIPO health zone to assess the operationality of the checkpoints. Seven have already been identified.
...
https://reliefweb.int/report/democra...-la-maladie-38

Pathfinder · Aug 11, 2020

WEEKLY BULLETIN ON OUTBREAKS
AND OTHER EMERGENCIES
Week 32: 3 - 9 August 2020
Data as reported by: 17:00; 9 August 2020
...

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

79 Cases
33 Deaths
41.8% 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 28 health areas in eight health zones
affected. Since our last report (Weekly Bulletin 31), another six additional
confirmed EVD cases have been reported, with one new confirmed case in
Mbandaka, and two new deaths.

As of 8 August 2020, there are a total of 79 cases (75 confirmed and four
probable) including 33 deaths (case fatality ratio 41.8%). The case fatality
ratio among confirmed cases is 38.7% (29 deaths/75 confirmed cases).
The number of health workers affected remains at three, making up 3.8%
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 28, in eight of the 18 health zones in the province. In the past 21
days (19 July to 8 August 2020), 19 confirmed cases have been reported
in 11 health areas across six health zones.

Five out of six health zones have listed contacts, with seven new contacts
listed all from the Bolomoba Health Zone as of 8 August 2020. No contact
data were available from the Ingende and Lotumbe health zones for the
second and 11th consecutive days, respectively. In the 24 hours up to
8 August 2020, a total of 4 149 of the 4 358 active contacts were seen
(95%). There were 176 unseen contacts, of which 36 (20.5%) have
never been seen, four (2.3%) were lost to follow-up and 136 (77.3%)
were seen in the past 24 hours. All 154 active contacts in Wangata
Health Zone have completed their follow-up. A total of 22 contacts have
become symptomatic, with 16 in Bolomba, four in Bikoro, and one each
in Mampoko and Mbandaka. A total of 784 alerts have been registered to
date, of which 741 (94.5%) have been investigated, and 220 (29.7%) have
been validated.

PUBLIC HEALTH ACTIONS

On 8 August 2020, preparations were started in Lilanga Bobangi Health
Zone, where a WHO team were sent for a five-day mission.

Five commission members were briefed on monitoring activities at
Points of Entry (PoE)/Points of Control (PoC) for EVD and COVID-19.

Three new PoC have been activated in Iboko, increasing the number of
active PoCs from 24 to 27.

On 8 August 2020, all 27 active PoCs reported. A total of 18 538
travellers passed through these PoCs and 16 666 (89.9%) were
screened. Since the start of the response activities, 526 724 (92.1%)
screenings have been performed among the 571 679 travellers who
have passed through the active PoCs. Out of these 60 alerts have been
detected, with 29 validated.

As of 8 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 238 new people were vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV-GP on 8
August 2020, including 85 high risk contacts, 143 contacts of contacts
and 10 probable contacts.

Since 5 June 2020, a total of 20 499 people has been vaccinated.

Four isolation centres have started to report their data: Bosomondomba,
Iboko, Lopanzo and Yuli.

A total of 83 patients, including six confirmed patients were managed
in the transit centres and Ebola treatment centres in affected areas as
of 8 August 2020, with bed occupancy at 48.1% among suspected
cases and 15.4% among confirmed cases. The treatment centres in
Itipo and Yuli are over-capacity.

Six confirmed cases of EVD remain in the community, including three
in Lotumbe and one each in Bikoro, Lolanga-Mampoko and Mbandaka.
Five alerts of community deaths were received from Bolomba (3),
Bikoro (1) and Wangata (1) none of which were sampled, and safe
and dignified burials could not be carried out because of community
resistance.

As of 8 August 2020, infection prevention and control (IPC) monitoring
and support was provided in Bolomba and Ingende health zones, which
have been equipped with IPC and WASH kits. Ten health facilities in
Bolomba (6) and Ingende (4) were evaluated, with an average score
of 60.1%. A total of 22 Red Cross volunteers were briefed on IPC
activities.

Risk communication, mobilization and community engagement
continues, with 43 political-administrative authorities and members
of the Bolenge Community Action Groups participating in community
dialogue sessions on EVD, with consequent adoption of a road map
for outreach activities at their bases, along with alert raising. In the
affected health zone, 2 302 households have been visited and 10 661
people have been sensitized by members of Community Action Groups
and Red Cross volunteers.

SITUATION INTERPRETATION

The EVD outbreak in ?quateur Province continues to rise, albeit slowly, with
new confirmed cases and geographical spread to new health areas. Community
resistance is being seen, particularly to safe and dignified burials and sampling
for EVD. The constant presence of confirmed cases in the community is
of particular concern, along with suspected cases who are not isolated.
Additionally, there are insufficient funds available to cover the response
required. Although all pillars of response are active in the affected areas, but
there are concerns around insufficient resources for risk communication
and engagement, particularly in hotspots. In addition, the provincial labatory
building in Mbandaka needs upgrading. 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.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/333769/OEW32-0309082020.pdf

Pathfinder · Aug 15, 2020

Translation Google

Mbandaka: Angry, EBOLA response workers burn tires and go after response facilities

The agents of the response against Ebola in the province of Equateur demonstrated this Saturday, August 15 in Mbandaka to demand the payment of their risk premiums. In their anger, they burned the tires in front of the Mbandaka University Hospital Center and set a Red Cross tent on fire.

According to testimonies collected on the spot, the agents say they do not understand why their bonus is slow in coming while they are working despite the risk that this represents.

This protest movement paralyzed work at the University Hospital Center on the afternoon of Saturday, August 15.

Last Wednesday in the Air-congo district in Mbandaka, the agents of the response against Ebola had also demonstrated for the same reason. 3 demonstrators were even arrested according to the provincial minister of the interior contacted by ACTUALITE.CD

Equateur province experienced a short Ebola outbreak from May to July 2018 in which 33 people died and 54 were infected.

On June 01, 2020, a new epidemic was announced in this province. The cumulative number of cases is 84, including 80 confirmed and 4 probable. In total, there were 36 deaths (32 confirmed and 4 probable) and 36 winners (people cured or survivors of EVD).

The 7 affected health zones are Bikoro, Bolomba, Iboko, Mbandaka, Lotumbe, Wangata and Ingende.

Yannick MBOMBO, from Mbandaka

https://actualite.cd/2020/08/15/mba...-la-riposte-contre-ebola-brulent-des-pneus-et

Pathfinder · Aug 18, 2020

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.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/333855/OEW33-1016082020.pdf

Gert van der Hoek · Aug 22, 2020

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."

Pathfinder · Aug 25, 2020

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.
...
https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/333969/OEW34-1723082020.pdf

Pathfinder · Sep 1, 2020

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.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/334083/OEW35-2430082020.pdf

Pathfinder · Sep 8, 2020

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.

https://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/334185/OEW36-310806092020.pdf

Shiloh · Sep 8, 2020

Source: https://www.who.int/csr/don/03-september-2020-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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Gert van der Hoek · Sep 18, 2020

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.

Pathfinder · Sep 21, 2020

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

Pathfinder · Sep 29, 2020

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

Gert van der Hoek · Oct 2, 2020

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.

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

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