World Health Organization confirms Ebola outbreak in DRC
The World Health Organisation confirms an Ebola outbreak in DRC after samples tested positive.
The outbreak, in the remote area of Bulape and Mweke in Kasai province, has already resulted in 15 deaths, including four healthcare workers, with 28 further suspected cases.
“We’re acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” said WHO Regional Director for Africa, Dr Mohamed Janabi. “Banking on the country’s long-standing expertise in controlling viral disease outbreaks, we’re working closely with the health authorities to quickly scale up key response measures to end the outbreak as soon as possible.”
In addition to sending experts to help the national response team, WHO is delivering two tonnes of supplies, including personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory equipment and medical supplies.
WHO guidance on dealing with Ebola viruses has three main elements: rapid identification and isolation of cases with strict barrier nursing, contact tracing and 21 days of quarantine with close monitoring of temperature and public engagement, including on sensitive issues like local funeral customs.
DRC Minister of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Security, Dr Roger Kamba, announced the activation of the Incident Management System by the Public Health Emergency Operations Center (COUSP), with the deployment of rapid response teams, the strengthening of epidemiological surveillance, and the establishment of triage and isolation centers.
"Ebola is a serious disease, but early, free, and comprehensive treatment increases the chances of survival," he stated.
The Minister also called on the public to comply with preventive measures, including reporting suspected cases via a hotline, and to reject all forms of stigmatization. "to hide a sick person is to expose; to report is to save," said the Minister.
There are 2000 doses of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine - recombinant live vaccine manufactured by Merck - to protect against this type of Ebola, already in Kinshasa, which will be deployed to contacts of the current victims and frontline health workers.
We have reached out to the ECDC and the European Commission to find out if any support has been offered; we have not yet received a response. In response to previous Ebola outbreaks, the EU has provided financial support and expertise from DG ECHO (European Civil Protection and Humanitarian Aid Operations) and from the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC).
Update 7 September: The ECDC has told Vital Signs that it is monitoring the event and is in contact with WHO and DG ECHO should there be the need for the EU Health Task Force to support outbreak control operations in DRC.