A new epidemic of Ebola viral disease broke out in the Democratic Republic of Congo (KDR). Since the end of August, it has succumbed to 15 people, including four health care professionals, announced on Thursday by the Ministry of Health KDR. 28 people have experienced symptoms of Ebola, but it has not yet been confirmed by laboratory tests, AFP said, TASR writes.
The region has already been sent to the region together with WHO experts
The outbreak of the epidemic is located in the areas of Bulape and Mweka in the province of Kasai in the central part of the KDR, where the authorities reported the occurrence of infected with typical symptoms of Ebola – fever, vomiting, diarrhea and bleeding. By analyzing the samples taken at the National Institute for Biomedical Research in KinShase, Ebola has been confirmed as the cause of the disease.
The intervention unit, together with experts of the World Health Organization (WHO) in the areas of epidemiology, prevention and control of infections, laboratory diagnosis and the management of the sick, was sent to Kasai Province. Risk communication experts ensure enlightenment in local communities and instructing people to protect themselves. Vaccination of risk groups is expected.
The WHO also delivered two tons of stock to the affected areas, including personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory and medical equipment.
Ebola in remote regions of KDR occurs regularly
The region where the latest epidemic broke out is difficult to access: it takes at least one day to move from the TSHIKAP provincial seat and the air connection is limited.
The last epidemic of Ebola in the DRC broke out three years ago in the province of équateur, lost six people and managed to manage it in less than three months. In the province of Kasai, previous epidemics were reported in 2007 and 2008. Overall, the CDD had fifteen Ebola epidemics since the virus identification in 1976.
Ebola is a highly contagious viral disease with a high degree of death, which regularly occurs in the KDR, especially in remote regions with limited access to health care. It is transmitted by contact with blood, body fluids or organs of infected animals, especially bats considered natural hosts. The virus spreads by direct contact with the blood or body fluids of the infected person or the dead, contaminated objects or the body of a person who has become ill for Ebol.
