DRC-Congo-Ebola OUTBREAK-UPDATE

19 APRIL 2019

DE FAAKTO OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE

SITUATION UPDATE-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Update-The World Health Organization

 

Key Points

  • There is a continued increase in the number of Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, it remains confined to a limited geographical area
  • The recent up trend is due to security issues, unrest within certain local populations, and lingering community mistrust towards outbreak response teams
  • Improved case detection and response activities have been observed in previously inaccessible hotspots

 

  • 87 healthcare workers have been infected 
  • 31 healthcare worker deaths

 

  • During the reporting period of 16 April 2019
  • 1290 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 833 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 65%)
  • 87 (7% overall cases) healthcare workers have been infected to date
  • 31 healthcare workers deaths
  • 91 286 persons have been vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, manufactured by the pharmaceutical group Merck

 

World Health Organization-RISK ASSESSMENT

  • National and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low
  • Weekly increases in the number of new cases has been ongoing since late February 2019
  • A general deterioration of the security situation, and the persistence of pockets of community reluctance, refusal, and resistance due to mistrust exacerbated by political tensions and insecurity, have resulted in recurrent temporary suspension and delays of case investigation and response activities in affected areas, reducing the overall effectiveness of interventions
  • Recent community dialogue, outreach initiatives, and restoration of access to certain hotspot areas have resulted in some improvements

 

De Faakto intelligence forecast on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

About Ebola

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans
  • The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission
  • The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks
  • The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa involved major urban areas as well as rural ones
  • Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilization
  • Early supportive care with re-hydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development  (WHO)

 

WHO  https://www.who.int/csr/don/18-april-2019-ebola-drc/en/

 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________

12 APRIL 2019

DE FAAKTO OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE

SITUATION UPDATE-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

Update-The World Health Organization

 

Key Points

There is a marked increase in the number of Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • 87 healthcare workers have been infected 
  • 31 healthcare worker deaths

 

  • During the reporting period of 12 April 2019
  • 1186 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 751 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 62%)
  • 87 (7% overall cases) healthcare workers have been infected to date
  • 31 healthcare workers deaths
  • 91 286 persons have been vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, manufactured by the pharmaceutical group Merck

 

World Health Organization-RISK ASSESSMENT

  • National and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low
  • Attacks on Ebola Treatment Centers, represented the first large-scale and organized attacks targeted directly at the Ebola response, and were of a different order of magnitude to episodes of mistrust in communities or dangers of being caught in crossfire between fighting parties
  • The persistence of pockets of community mistrust, exacerbated by political tensions and insecurity, have resulted in recurrent temporary suspension and delays of case investigation and response activities in affected areas; reducing the overall effectiveness of interventions
  • The high proportion of community deaths reported among confirmed cases, persistent delays in detection and isolation in ETCs, challenges in the timely reporting and response to probable cases, collectively increase the likelihood of further chains of transmission in affected communities and increased risk of geographical spread within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to neighbouring countries (WHO)

 

De Faakto intelligence forecast on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

About Ebola

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans
  • The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission
  • The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks
  • The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa involved major urban areas as well as rural ones
  • Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilization
  • Early supportive care with re-hydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development  (WHO)

 

https://www.who.int/csr/don/11-april-2019-ebola-drc/en/

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

06 APRIL 2019

DE FAAKTO OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE 

SITUATION UPDATE-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

Update-The World Health Organization 

 

Key Points

There is a marked increase in the number of Ebola virus disease (EVD) cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo

  • 81 healthcare workers have been infected 
  • 27 healthcare worker deaths

 

  • During the reporting period of 06 April 2019
  • 240 cases of  suspected Ebola Virus Disease cases under investigation
  • 1100 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 944 confirmed cases
  • 65 probable cases
  • 690 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 62%)
  • 81 (7% overall cases) healthcare workers have been infected to date
  • 27 healthcare workers deaths
  • 91 286 persons have been vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, manufactured by the pharmaceutical group Merck

 

World Health Organization-RISK ASSESSMENT

  • National and regional risk levels remain very high, while global risk levels remain low
  • Attacks on ETCs in Katwa and Butembo represented the first large-scale and organized attacks targeted directly at the Ebola response, and were of a different order of magnitude to episodes of mistrust in communities or dangers of being caught in crossfire between fighting parties
  • The persistence of pockets of community mistrust, exacerbated by political tensions and insecurity, have resulted in recurrent temporary suspension and delays of case investigation and response activities in affected areas; reducing the overall effectiveness of interventions
  • The high proportion of community deaths reported among confirmed cases, persistent delays in detection and isolation in ETCs, challenges in the timely reporting and response to probable cases, collectively increase the likelihood of further chains of transmission in affected communities and increased risk of geographical spread within the Democratic Republic of the Congo and to neighbouring countries
  • There is risk of increased population movement anticipated during periods of heightened insecurity, increasing the possibilities of disease transmission

 

De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

About Ebola

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans
  • The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission
  • The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks
  • The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa involved major urban areas as well as rural ones
  • Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilization
  • Early supportive care with re-hydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development  (WHO)

 

WHO  https://www.who.int/csr/don/04-april-2019-ebola-drc/en/

 

______________________________________________________________________________

26 MARCH 2019

DE FAAKTO OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE

SITUATION UPDATE-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

Ministere de la Sante Republique Democratique du Congo

DRC MINISTRY of HEALTH-EBOLA UPDATE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO 

Update-The World Health Organization &U.S. Center for Disease Control

 

  • During the reporting period of 26 March 2019
  • 240 cases of  suspected Ebola Virus Disease cases under investigation
  • 1009 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 944 confirmed cases
  • 65 probable cases
  • 629 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 62%)
  • 68 healthcare workers have been infected to date
  • 91 286 persons have been vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, manufactured by the pharmaceutical group Merck

 

Reuters News-Key Points

  • DRCongo is the world’s second worst ever Ebola outbreak
  • Health workers have been better prepared than ever for this latest epidemic
  • New technologies like a trial vaccine, experimental treatments and futuristic cube-shaped mobile units for treating patients have helped curb the spread of the virus
  • Public mistrust and rampant insecurity in the parts of eastern Democratic Republic of Congo where Ebola has struck have hampered the response, complicating the fight against it
  • Last Wednesday, authorities confirmed a case of Ebola in Bunia, another city of close to 1 million people
  • Five Ebola centres have been attacked since last month, sometimes by armed assailants. The violence led French medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres (MSF) to suspend its activities at the epicentre of the outbreak last month

 

DR. ROBERT REDFIELD OF THE U.S. CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL WARNS, 

  • Controlling the difficult and dangerous Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo may take another year or more
  • It would be a mistake not to plan for a more prolonged outbreak, given the evident complexity of stopping transmission of the virus in north eastern DRC.
  • We cannot underestimate this outbreak
  • We need a long-term strategy (CDC)

 

WHO Risk Assessment

  • National and regional risk levels remain very high, though global risk levels remain low
  • Attacks on Ebola Treatment Centers represented the first large-scale and organized attacks targeted directly at the Ebola response
  • Persistence of pockets of community resistance and mistrust, exacerbated by political tensions and insecurity, have resulted in recurrent temporary suspension and delays of case investigation and response activities in affected areas; reducing the overall effectiveness of interventions

 

De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

About Ebola

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans
  • The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission
  • The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks
  • The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa involved major urban areas as well as rural ones
  • Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilisation
  • Early supportive care with rehydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development  (WHO)

 

 

Ministere de la Sante Republique Democratique du Congo  https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=89e5755d2cca4840b1af93176&id=20dee366c5

Reuters  https://af.reuters.com/article/topNews/idAFKCN1R61O6-OZATP

 

 

______________________________________________________________________________

 

23 MARCH 2019

DE FAAKTO OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE

SITUATION UPDATE-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

Ministere de la Sante Republique Democratique du Congo

DRC MINISTRY of HEALTH-EBOLA UPDATE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO 

Update-The World Health Organization

 

  • During the reporting period of 21 March 2019
  • Unknown number of  suspected Ebola Virus Disease cases under investigation
  • 980 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 915 confirmed cases
  • 65 probable cases
  • 610 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 62%)
  • 68 healthcare workers have been infected to date
  • 88, 360 persons have been vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, manufactured by the pharmaceutical group Merck

 

Eastern DR Congo city of Bunia-21 March 2019

  • A six-month-old baby has died of Ebola
  • This is the first fatality of the disease in a provincial capital
  • Bunia, has a population of 300,000
  • This death places the city at significant risk for the spread of the Ebola Virus

 

DR. ROBERT REDFIELD OF THE U.S. CENTER FOR DISEASE CONTROL WARNS, 

  • Controlling the difficult and dangerous Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo may take another year or more
  • It would be a mistake not to plan for a more prolonged outbreak, given the evident complexity of stopping transmission of the virus in north eastern DRC.
  • We cannot underestimate this outbreak
  • We need a long-term strategy (CDC)

 

WHO Risk Assessment

  • National and regional risk levels remain very high, though global risk levels remain low
  • Attacks on Ebola Treatment Centers represented the first large-scale and organized attacks targeted directly at the Ebola response
  • Persistence of pockets of community resistance and mistrust, exacerbated by political tensions and insecurity, have resulted in recurrent temporary suspension and delays of case investigation and response activities in affected areas; reducing the overall effectiveness of interventions

 

De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

About Ebola

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans
  • The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission
  • The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks
  • The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa involved major urban areas as well as rural ones
  • Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilisation
  • Early supportive care with rehydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development  (WHO)

 

Ministere de la Sante Republique Democratique du Congo https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=89e5755d2cca4840b1af93176&id=bddce164c4

WHO  https://www.who.int/csr/don/21-march-2019-ebola-drc/en/

Stat News  https://www.statnews.com/2019/03/15/redfield-projection-ebola-drc/

Modern Ghana  https://www.modernghana.com/news/922333/ebola-death-confirmed-in-eastern-dr-congo-provincial-capital.html

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

14 MARCH 2019

DE FAAKTO OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE

SITUATION UPDATE-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION IS REPORTING,

  • During the reporting period of 07 March 2019
  • 227 suspected Ebola Virus Disease cases under investigation
  • 907 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 841 confirmed cases
  • 66 probable cases
  • 569 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 63%)
  • 68 healthcare workers have been infected to date
  • 84,361 persons have been vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, manufactured by the pharmaceutical group Merck

 

WHO Risk Assessment

  • National and regional risk levels remain very high, though global risk levels remain low
  • There is a potential risk for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries for economic and personal reasons, as well as due to insecurity

 

De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

About Ebola

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans
  • The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission
  • The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks
  • The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa involved major urban areas as well as rural ones
  • Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilisation
  • Early supportive care with rehydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development  (WHO)

 

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION  https://www.who.int/csr/don/7-march-2019-ebola-drc/en/

DE FAAKTO EBOLA-SITREP-ANALYSIS-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO  https://defaakto.com/2019/02/02/ebola-sitrep-analysis-democratic-republic-congo/

_________________________________________________________________________________________

 

03 March 2019

DE FAAKTO OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE

SITUATION UPDATE-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

Ministere de la Sante Republique Democratique du Congo

DRC MINISTRY of HEALTH-EBOLA UPDATE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

  • During the reporting period of 27 FEBRUARY 2019
  • 227 suspected Ebola Virus Disease cases under investigation
  • 885 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 820 confirmed cases
  • 65 probable cases
  • 555 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 62%)
  • 68 healthcare workers have been infected to date
  • 84,361 persons have been vaccinated with rVSV-ZEBOV vaccine, manufactured by the pharmaceutical group Merck

 

Ministere de la Sante Republique Democratique du Congo   https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=89e5755d2cca4840b1af93176&id=ec0e947de0

 

WHO Risk Assessment

  • National and regional risk levels remain very high, though global risk levels remain low
  • There is a potential risk for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries for economic and personal reasons, as well as due to insecurity

 

De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

About Ebola

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans
  • The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission
  • The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks
  • The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa involved major urban areas as well as rural ones
  • Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilisation
  • Early supportive care with rehydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development  (WHO)

 

WHO  https://www.who.int/csr/don/28-february-2019-ebola-drc/en/

DE FAAKTO EBOLA-SITREP-ANALYSIS-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO  https://defaakto.com/2019/02/02/ebola-sitrep-analysis-democratic-republic-congo/

_________________________________________________________________________________________

27 FEBRUARY 2019

DE FAAKTO OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE

SITUATION UPDATE-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

Ministere de la Sante Republique Democratique du Congo

DRC MINISTRY of HEALTH-EBOLA UPDATE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

EBOLA CENTER ATTACKED

  • During the reporting period of 25 FEBRUARY 2019
  • 148 new cases Ebola Virus Disease
  • 872 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 807 confirmed cases
  • 65 probable cases
  • 548 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 62%)
  • 1 new healthcare workers infected
  • 68 healthcare workers have been infected to date
 
 
 
 
EBOLA TREATMENT CENTER ATTACKED-25 February 2019
 
  • Ebola Treatment Center (ETC) in Katwa
  • Ransacked and set on fire
  • This fire resulted in the death of nurse who was trying to escape
  • Butembo’s mayor is urging the people of the country to work with Ebola response teams to stop the spread of the disease
  • The mayor also denounced the incivists whose intention is the destabilization of health experts

Ministere de la Sante Republique Democratique du Congo  https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=89e5755d2cca4840b1af93176&id=237227191e

WHO Risk Assessment

  • National and regional risk levels remain very high, though global risk levels remain low
  • There is a potential risk for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries for economic and personal reasons, as well as due to insecurity

 

De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

About Ebola

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans
  • The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission
  • The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks
  • The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa involved major urban areas as well as rural ones
  • Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilisation
  • Early supportive care with rehydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development  (WHO)

 

WHO https://www.who.int/csr/don/21-february-2019-ebola-drc/en/

DE FAAKTO EBOLA-SITREP-ANALYSIS-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO  https://defaakto.com/2019/02/02/ebola-sitrep-analysis-democratic-republic-congo/

 

_______________________________________________________________________________________

 

23 FEBRUARY 2019

SITUATION EBOLA UPDATE

DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION IS REPORTING,

  • The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak is continuing with moderate intensity
  • During the reporting period of 20 FEBRUARY 2019
  • Small clusters of Ebola Virus Disease continue to occur in various geographically dispersed locations
  • 79 new cases Ebola Virus Disease
  • 853 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 788 confirmed cases
  • 65 probable cases
  • 531 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 62%)
  • No new healthcare worker(s) infected
  • 68 healthcare workers have been infected to date

 

WHO Risk Assessment

  • National and regional risk levels remain very high, though global risk levels remain low
  • There is a potential risk for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries for economic and personal reasons, as well as due to insecurity

 

De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

About Ebola

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans
  • The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission
  • The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks
  • The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa involved major urban areas as well as rural ones
  • Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilisation
  • Early supportive care with rehydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development  (WHO)

 

WHO  https://www.who.int/csr/don/21-february-2019-ebola-drc/en/

DE FAAKTO EBOLA-SITREP-ANALYSIS-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO  https://defaakto.com/2019/02/02/ebola-sitrep-analysis-democratic-republic-congo/

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

15 February 2019

UPDATE

DE FAAKTO OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

WORLD HEALTH ORGANIZATION IS REPORTING,

  • During the reporting period of 12 FEBRUARY 2019
  • 97 new cases Ebola Virus Disease
  • 823 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 762 confirmed cases
  • 61 probable cases
  • 517 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 63%)
  • 1 new healthcare worker infected
  • 68 healthcare workers have been infected to date

 

WHO Risk Assessment

  • The last review conducted on 7 February 2019, outlines the high risk the EVD outbreak poses at the national and regional levels, though global risk levels remain low
  • There is a potential risk for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries

 

De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

About Ebola

  • Ebola virus disease (EVD), formerly known as Ebola haemorrhagic fever, is a severe, often fatal illness in humans
  • The virus is transmitted to people from wild animals and spreads in the human population through human-to-human transmission
  • The average EVD case fatality rate is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks
  • The first EVD outbreaks occurred in remote villages in Central Africa, near tropical rainforests. The 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa involved major urban areas as well as rural ones
  • Community engagement is key to successfully controlling outbreaks. Good outbreak control relies on applying a package of interventions, namely case management, infection prevention and control practices, surveillance and contact tracing, a good laboratory service, safe and dignified burials and social mobilisation
  • Early supportive care with rehydration, symptomatic treatment improves survival. There is as yet no licensed treatment proven to neutralize the virus but a range of blood, immunological and drug therapies are under development  (WHO)

 

WHO https://www.who.int/csr/don/14-february-2019-ebola-drc/en/

DE FAAKTO EBOLA-SITREP-ANALYSIS-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO  https://defaakto.com/2019/02/02/ebola-sitrep-analysis-democratic-republic-congo/

_________________________________________________________________________________________

12 February 2019

DE FAAKTO OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

Ministere de la Sante Republique Democratique du Congo

DRC MINISTRY of HEALTH-EBOLA UPDATE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

  • During the reporting period of 12 FEBRUARY 2019
  • 148 new cases Ebola Virus Disease
  • 811 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 750 confirmed cases
  • 61 probable cases
  • 510 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 62%)
  • 5 new healthcare workers infected
  • 67 healthcare workers have been infected to date

 

WHO risk assessment

  • WHO reviewed its risk assessment on 9 January 2019 for the outbreak and the risk remains very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low
  • There is a potential risk for transmission of Ebola virus at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries for economic and personal reasons as well as due to insecurity
  • As the risk of national and regional spread is very high, it is important for neighbouring provinces and countries to enhance surveillance and preparedness activities  (WHO)

 

EBOLA RESPONSE UNDERMINED BY SECURITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The lack of security is impacting Ebola Virus Disease response activities and increasing the risk that the virus will continue to spread.
De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

DRC MINISTRY of HEALTH  https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=89e5755d2cca4840b1af93176&id=8de649dc78

DE FAAKTO EBOLA-SITREP-ANALYSIS-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO  https://defaakto.com/2019/02/02/ebola-sitrep-analysis-democratic-republic-congo/

WHO https://www.who.int/csr/don/07-february-2019-ebola-drc/en/

_________________________________________________________________________________________

DE FAAKTO OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE 

08 February 2019

OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

World Health Organization EBOLA UPDATE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

 

  • During the reporting period of 05 FEBRUARY 2019
  • 79 new cases Ebola Virus Disease
  • Total of 789 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 735 confirmed cases
  • 54 probable cases
  • 488 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 62%)
  • 5 new healthcare workers infected
  • 67 healthcare workers have been infected to date

 

WHO risk assessment

  • WHO reviewed its risk assessment on 9 January 2019 for the outbreak and the risk remains very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low
  • There is a potential risk for transmission of Ebola virus at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries for economic and personal reasons as well as due to insecurity
  • As the risk of national and regional spread is very high, it is important for neighbouring provinces and countries to enhance surveillance and preparedness activities  (WHO)

 

EBOLA RESPONSE UNDERMINED BY SECURITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The lack of security is impacting Ebola Virus Disease response activities and increasing the risk that the virus will continue to spread.
De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

DE FAAKTO EBOLA-SITREP-ANALYSIS-DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO  https://defaakto.com/2019/02/02/ebola-sitrep-analysis-democratic-republic-congo/

 

WHO https://www.who.int/csr/don/07-february-2019-ebola-drc/en/

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

De Faakto Outbreak Intelligence

28 January 2019

OUTBREAK INTELLIGENCE DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC CONGO

Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health-Epidemiological Situation Report

  • 459 deaths from Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) cases (405 confirmed and 54 probable)
  • 733 cumulative cases of EVD
  • 679 confirmed cases of EVD
  • 54 probable cases of EVD
  • 165 suspected cases under investigation

 

Ministere de la Sante Republique Democratique du Congo

https://us13.campaign-archive.com/?u=89e5755d2cca4840b1af93176&id=cfa1f4d690

 

World Health Organization EBOLA UPDATE-Democratic Republic of the Congo

WHO risk assessment-25 January 2019

  • WHO reviewed its risk assessment for the outbreak and the risk remains very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low. This outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease is affecting north-eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo bordering Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. There is a potential risk for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries for economic and personal reasons as well as due to insecurity

 

EBOLA RESPONSE UNDERMINED BY SECURITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The lack of security is impacting Ebola Virus Disease response activities and increasing the risk that the virus will continue to spread.
De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

WHO    https://www.who.int/csr/don/24-january-2019-ebola-drc/en/

 

 

________________________________________________________________________________

World Health Organization EBOLA UPDATE-Democratic Republic of the Congo

De Faakto Outbreak Intelligence

25 January 2019

  • During the reporting period of 22 January 2019
  • 79 new cases Ebola Virus Disease
  • Total of 713 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 664 confirmed cases
  • 49 probable cases
  • 439 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 62%)
  • Sixty-one healthcare workers have been infected to date

 

WHO risk assessment

  • WHO reviewed its risk assessment for the outbreak and the risk remains very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low. This outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease is affecting north-eastern provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo bordering Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. There is a potential risk for transmission of EVD at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas, the rest of the country, and neighbouring countries for economic and personal reasons as well as due to insecurity

 

EBOLA RESPONSE UNDERMINED BY SECURITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The lack of security is impacting Ebola Virus Disease response activities and increasing the risk that the virus will continue to spread.
De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

WHO    https://www.who.int/csr/don/24-january-2019-ebola-drc/en/

 

 

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

 

World Health Organization EBOLA UPDATE-Democratic Republic of the Congo

Outbreak Intelligence

19 January 2019

  • During the reporting period of 15 January 2019
  • 79 new cases Ebola Virus Disease
  • Total of 663 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 614 confirmed cases
  • 49 probable cases
  • 407 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 61%)

 

Security in Democratic Republic of Congo remains unsettled due to recent elections & concurrent violence 

 

The United Nations Human Rights Office & the Times Live-South Africa reports,

  • Clashes between the Banunu and Batende communities
  • 890 people are believed to have been killed in ethnic violence in northwestern Democratic Republic of Congo
  • 465 houses and buildings, including schools, a health center, market and office of the national electoral commission, had been burned or pillaged

 

EBOLA RESPONSE UNDERMINED BY SECURITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The lack of security is impacting Ebola Virus Disease response activities and increasing the risk that the virus will continue to spread
De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

WHO https://www.who.int/csr/don/17-january-2019-ebola-drc/en/

The Times Live https://www.timeslive.co.za/news/africa/2019-01-16-nearly-900-killed-in-ethnic-violence-in-drc-in-mid-december-says-un/

________________________________________________________________________________________

World Health Organization EBOLA UPDATE-Democratic Republic of the Congo

Outbreak Intelligence

11 January 2019

  • During the reporting period of 8 January 2019
  • Total of 628 Ebola Virus Disease cases
  • 580 confirmed cases
  • 48 probable cases
  • 383 deaths (overall case fatality ratio: 61%)

 

WHO’s risk assessment for the outbreak is currently very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low

There is a potential risk for transmission of Ebola at the national and regional levels due to extensive travel between the affected areas

 

Security in Democratic Republic of Congo remains unsettled due to questionable election results

From the BBC

  • The Catholic Church, which posted 40,000 election observers, says the result does not match its findings
  • The runner-up, opposition candidate Martin Fayulu, has told the BBC he will mount a legal challenge against the official vote count
  • “The result is a coup and not the truth from the ballot,” he said on Thursday. “The Congolese want change.”
  • He accused Mr Tshisekedi of reaching a power-sharing deal with the ruling party, a claim the veteran figure has denied
  • There are fears the result could trigger unrest

 

EBOLA RESPONSE UNDERMINED BY SECURITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The lack of security is impacting Ebola Virus Disease response activities and increasing the risk that the virus will continue to spread
De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge for health care workers as indicated by reports of the numbers of health care workers being infected. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

WHO https://www.who.int/csr/don/10-january-2019-ebola-drc/en/

___________________________________________________________________________

World Health Organization EBOLA UPDATE-Democratic Republic of the Congo

Outbreak Intelligence

06 January 2019

  • During the reporting period (27 December 2018 – 2 January 2019)
  • 16 newly confirmed cases were reported
  • Total of 609 EVD cases (561 confirmed and 48 probable)
  • 370 deaths
  • No new cases in healthcare workers
  • There have been a total of 55 EVD cases involving healthcare workers, of which 18 have died 36%

WHO’s risk assessment for the outbreak is currently very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low

Security in Democratic Republic of Congo remains unsettled due to delayed election results

From Reuters,

  • U.S. military personnel had deployed to Gabon in response to possible violent demonstrations in the Democratic Republic of Congo after a presidential election there

 

From the BBC,

UN: DR Congo violence drives 16,000 to Brazzaville

  • The UN says people fled to the neighbouring Republic of Congo after violence broke out in Yumbi, in the DR Congo province of Mai-Ndombe
  • UN refugee agency is saying that the violence did not have anything to do with the presidential election on Sunday, but are the result of inter-communal clashes between Banunus and Batende
  • Dozens have been killed in the clashes

 

EBOLA RESPONSE UNDERMINED BY SECURITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The lack of security is impacting Ebola Virus Disease response activities and increasing the risk that the virus will continue to spread
De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge for health care workers as indicated by reports of the numbers of health care workers being infected. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

WHO https://www.who.int/csr/don/04-january-2019-ebola-drc/en/

____________________________________________________________________________________________

World Health Organization EBOLA UPDATE-Democratic Republic of the Congo

Outbreak Intelligence

28 December 2018

  • As of 26 December 2018, a total of 591 EVD cases, including 543 confirmed and 48 probable cases
  • 54 were healthcare workers, of which 18 died
  • Overall, 357 cases have died (case fatality ratio 60%)
  • On 27 December 2018, protests at government buildings in Beni spilled over to an Ebola transit centre, frightening people waiting for Ebola test results and the staff who were caring for them. Staff at the centre temporarily withdrew and most suspected cases were transferred to a nearby treatment centre. WHO is concerned about the negative effects that the current insecurity is having on efforts to control the outbreak

 

WHO Risk Assessment

  • WHO’s risk assessment for the outbreak is currently very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low
  • As the risk of national and regional spread is very high, it is important for neighbouring provinces and countries to enhance surveillance and preparedness activities

 

De Faakto Intelligence Assessment
EBOLA RESPONSE UNDERMINED BY SECURITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The lack of security is impacting Ebola Virus Disease response activities and increasing the risk that the virus will continue to spread
De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge for health care workers as indicated by reports of the numbers of health care workers being infected. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

 

WHO Ebola Information,

https://www.who.int/csr/don/28-december-2018-ebola-drc/en/

 

________________________________________________________________________________________

World Health Organization EBOLA UPDATE-Democratic Republic of the Congo

22 December 2018

  • Elections in DRC-Congo may lead to heightened political tension, a deterioration of the overall security situation and violent civil unrest; presenting an indirect threat to the Ebola response operations
  • As of 18 December, 549 EVD cases (501 confirmed and 48 probable), including 326 deaths (case fatality ratio 59%)
  • 35 new cases reported each week since mid-October
  • In the past week, two new infections of health workers have been reported – 55 (53 confirmed and two probable) health workers have been infected to date, of whom 19 have died
  • WHO’s risk assessment for the outbreak is currently very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low. WHO continues to advice against any restriction of travel to, and trade with, the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on currently available information

 

De Faakto Intelligence Assessment
EBOLA RESPONSE UNDERMINED BY SECURITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The lack of security is impacting Ebola Virus Disease response activities and increasing the risk that the virus will continue to spread
De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge for health care workers as indicated by reports of the numbers of health care workers being infected. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

WHO

https://www.who.int/csr/don/20-december-2018-ebola-drc/en/

_____________________________________________________________________________________

World Health Organization EBOLA UPDATE-Democratic Republic of the Congo

13 December 2018

As of 11 December, 505 EVD cases (457 confirmed and 48 probable), including 296 deaths

The Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is occurring in an unforgiving context. Non-engagement from communities and conflict continue to hamper response activities in some affected areas. Moreover, poor infection prevention and control (IPC) practices across numerous private and public health centers remain a major source of amplification of the outbreak and risk to health and other frontline workers.

Despite these challenges, substantial progress has been made on multiple fronts to address the situation, and daily successes are being observed in the implementation of proven public health measures alongside newer tools, such as vaccination and novel therapeutics.

WHO Risk Assessment
WHO’s risk assessment for the outbreak is currently very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low.

Report From Outbreak News Today,
UNICEF reported this week that children now account for more than one third of the Ebola cases in affected regions of the eastern DRC.

The UN children’s agency also reported that one in ten Ebola cases is under five-years-old, while children who contract the Ebola virus are at higher risk of dying from the disease than adults.

De Faakto Intelligence Assessment
EBOLA RESPONSE UNDERMINED BY SECURITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The lack of security is impacting Ebola Virus Disease response activities and increasing the risk that the virus will continue to spread
De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge for health care workers as indicated by reports of the numbers of health care workers being infected. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

World Health Organization,

https://www.who.int/csr/don/13-December-2018-ebola-drc/en/

Outbreak News Today,

http://outbreaknewstoday.com/dr-congo-ebola-outbreak-tops-500-cases-children-severely-affected-93147/

________________________________________________________________________________________

World Health Organization EBOLA UPDATE-Democratic Republic of the Congo

06 December 2018

  • As of 4 December, 458 EVD cases (410 confirmed and 48 probable), including 271 deaths, have been reported in 11 health zones
  • During the reporting period (28 November – 4 December 2018), 35 new cases were reported
  • Public and private health centres with inadequate infection prevention and control (IPC) practices continue to be major source of amplification of the outbreak. During the reporting period, two new infections were reported in health workers, and at least one new case likely acquired EVD from an infected health worker during a routine visit
  • Altogether, 44 health workers (41 nurses and three doctors) have been infected to date

 

WHO Risk Assessment

  • WHO’s risk assessment for the outbreak is currently very high at the national and regional levels; the global risk level remains low. WHO continues to advice against any restriction of travel to, and trade with, the Democratic Republic of the Congo based on currently available information
  • As the risk of national and regional spread is very high, it is important for neighbouring provinces and countries to enhance surveillance and preparedness activities

WHO Ebola Outbreak News,

https://www.who.int/csr/don/06-December-2018-ebola-drc/en/

Outbreak News Today Vaccination Report
Vaccination : With more than 40,000 vaccinated people, vaccination teams have prevented tens of thousands of cases and deaths. Without the intervention of the agents of the response, the country would probably have already reached more than 10,000 Ebola cases in 4 months, or nearly half of the balance sheet of the epidemic in West Africa that lasted 2 years.

http://outbreaknewstoday.com/ebola-outbreak-drc-health-minister-holds-press-conference-36527/

De Faakto Intelligence Assessment
EBOLA RESPONSE UNDERMINED BY SECURITY IN DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO
The lack of security is impacting Ebola Virus Disease response activities and increasing the risk that the virus will continue to spread
De Faakto intelligence assessment on 12 October 2018, noted the security situation would directly impact the response of authorities and the procedures required to counter the Ebola Virus. Inadequate infection control continues to be a challenge for health care workers as indicated by reports of the numbers of health care workers being infected. Key mitigation strategies include, improved security, surveillance, screening and infection control.
Without implementation of these strategies and quality assurance the risk of transmission to other immediate regions remains high.

___________________________________________________________________________________

29 November 2018

As of 27 November, 422 EVD cases (375 confirmed and 47 probable)1, including 242 deaths, have been reported in 11 health zones in North Kivu Province and three health zones in Ituri Province

The risk of the outbreak spreading to other provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as to neighbouring countries, remains very high.

During the reporting period (21—27 November 2018), 36 new cases were reported: 13 in Beni, nine in Katwa, six in Kalungunta, six in Butembo, one in Kyondo and one in Oicha. Two health workers from Katwa and Kyondo were among the newly infected; 42 health workers have been infected to date. Twelve additional survivors were discharged from Ebola treatment centres (ETCs) in Beni (six) and Butembo (six), and reintegrated into their communities; 125 patients have recovered to date.

More information about Ebola from the WHO,
http://www.who.int/csr/don/29-november-2018-ebola-drc/en/

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Outbreak News Today is reporting,

21 November 2018

Ebola update: 5 family members in Katwa infected as outbreak total mounts

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Ministry of Health (MOH) recorded 13 more new cases of Ebola bringing the cumulative number of cases is 386

  • Of this total, 339 are confirmed and 47 are probable. In total, there were 219 deaths (172 confirmed and 47 probable)
  • Of the new cases in the Katwa Health Zone, five are family members living in the Rughenda health area. They were registered as contacts of a confirmed case of Katwa who died in early November. They had refused vaccination and follow-up. They finally agreed to be treated at Butembo CTE

Outbreak News Today,

http://outbreaknewstoday.com/ebola-update-5-family-members-katwa-infected-outbreak-total-mounts-30439/

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

From World Health Organization-UPDATE EBOLA OUTBREAK DRC
Ebola virus disease – Democratic Republic of the Congo
Disease outbreak news: Update

14 November 2018

  • FDA authorizes emergency use of first Ebola fingerstick test with portable reader
  • Today, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration announced that an emergency use authorization (EUA) has been issued for a rapid, single-use test for the detection of Ebola virus (Zaire ebolavirus). This is the second Ebola rapid antigen fingerstick test available under EUA, but the first that uses a portable battery-operated reader, which can help provide clear diagnostic results outside of laboratories and in areas where patients are likely to be treated.
  • The test, called the DPP Ebola Antigen System, is used with blood specimens, including capillary “fingerstick” whole blood, from individuals with signs and symptoms of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in addition to other risk factors, such as living in an area with large numbers of EVD cases and/or having contact with other individuals exhibiting signs and symptoms of EVD.

FDA,

https://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/Newsroom/PressAnnouncements/ucm625502.htm?utm_campaign=20181114%20MCMi&utm_medium=email&utm_source=Eloqua

_________________________________________________________________________________________

Update
8 November 2018

As of 6 November, 308 EVD cases (273 confirmed and 35 probable), including 189 deaths (154 confirmed and 35 probable)1, have been reported in eight health zones in North Kivu Province and three health zones in Ituri Province

The risk of the outbreak spreading to other provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as to neighbouring countries, remains very high. Over the course of the past week, alerts have been reported from the South Sudan, Uganda and Yemen; EVD has been ruled out for all alerts to date. Uganda (geographically closest to outbreak affected areas), continues to intensify preparedness activities, and this week began to vaccinate health and frontline workers at priority health facilities.

As the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak enters the fourth month since declaration, and case numbers surpass 300, substantial progress has been achieved in all aspects of the response. Nevertheless, there remains a challenging road ahead to control intense transmission in the city of Beni and emerging hotspots in villages around Beni and Butembo. Security incidents and pockets of community resistance continue to impact civilians and frontline workers, requiring the response to continually adapt to the situation.

For full details see WHO,

http://www.who.int/csr/don/08-november-2018-ebola-drc/en/

 

_________________________________________________________________________________________

02 November 2018

Ebola virus disease – Democratic Republic of the Congo

As of 30 October 2018, 279 EVD cases (244 confirmed and 35 probable), including 179 deaths (144 confirmed and 35 probable)1, have been reported in eight health zones in North Kivu Province and three health zones in Ituri Province (Figure 2). Over the past week, 14 additional surivors were discharged from Ebola treatment centres (ETCs) and reintegrated into their communities; 81 patients have recovered to date.

With ongoing transmission in communities in North Kivu, the risk of the outbreak spreading to other provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as to neighbouring countries, remains very high. Over the course of the past week, alerts have been reported from the Tanganyika Province, Republic of the Congo, South Sudan, Uganda and Yemen. To date, EVD has been ruled out for all alerts from neighbouring provinces and countries.

See FDA,

http://www.who.int/csr/don/01-november-2018-ebola-drc/en/

_______________________________________________________________________________________________________________

25 October 2018

Security incidents over the past week, ranging from clashes between rebel and government forces resulting in civilian deaths to response vehicles being pelted with stones, continued to cause community distress and severely impede response activities for the Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. These incidents are occurring amidst intense EVD transmission in communities in the city of Beni. In spite of these challenges, the Ministry of Health (MoH), WHO and partners are reinforcing efforts to contain the outbreak; WHO does not currently plan to reduce the response team comprised of over 250 WHO staff.

Since the last Disease Outbreak News (i.e. during 16–23 October),
27 new confirmed cases were reported: 24 from Beni (including one resident of Mandima who was hospitalized in Beni), and three from Butembo
Newly reported cases, eight were known contacts of previously confirmed cases at the time of reporting, two were linked retrospectively to transmission chains, and 17 remain under investigation
A health worker from a community health post in Beni was among the newly infected; 21 health workers have been infected to date, of whom three have died

As of 23 October 2018,
247 EVD cases (212 confirmed and 35 probable)
-Including 159 deaths (124 confirmed and 35 probable)1, have been reported in seven health zones in North Kivu Province and three health zones in Ituri Province
-Sixty-five cases have recovered, been discharged from Ebola treatment centres (ETCs) and reintegrated into their communities

Risk of the outbreak spreading to other provinces in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as to neighbouring countries, remains very high with ongoing transmission in communities in North Kivu
-Enhanced efforts are needed to ensure areas beyond the main affected health zones are prepared and operationally ready to rapidly detect, investigate and respond to any such exportations of the virus
-Over the course of the past week, alerts have been reported from Mauritania, South Sudan, Sudan, Uganda, and the United Republic of Tanzania
-To date, EVD has been ruled out in all these alerts from neighbouring provinces and countries

WHO Ebola

http://www.who.int/csr/don/25-october-2018-ebola-drc/en/

 

___________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

05 October 2018
Report from Healio Infectious Disease News

DRC Ebola outbreak: 100 dead of infection, rebel attacks intensify
September 25, 2018

Armed opposition groups are hampering Ebola efforts in Democratic Republic of Congo

https://www.healio.com/infectious-disease/emerging-diseases/news/online/%7B30934e00-5a8c-450c-803a-421834083c3a%7D/drc-ebola-outbreak-100-dead-of-infection-rebel-attacks-intensify