The latest report by the World Health Organization (WHO) showed new cases of Ebola virus disease continue to be reported in DR Congo even as as it claims the outbreak is occurring in an “unforgiving context”.
According to the global health body, non-engagement from communities and conflict continue to hamper response activities in some affected areas, in addition to poor infection prevention and control (IPC) practices across numerous private and public health centers which remain a major source of amplification of the outbreak and risk to health and other frontline workers.
In a statement, WHO said during the reporting period (5 through 11 December 2018), 37 new cases were reported from 10 health zones in North Kivu and Ituri provinces: Katwa and Butembo (18), Beni (seven), Mabalako (four), Oicha (three), as well as one case each in Komanda, Kyondo, Mandima, Musienene and Vuhovi. Four new infections of health workers have been reported in Musienene, Katwa and Butembo health zones.
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In total, 51 (49 confirmed and two probable) health workers have been infected to date, of whom 17 have died. 23 additional survivors were discharged from Ebola treatment centres (ETCs) and reintegrated into their communities. A total of 177 patients have recovered to date.
Since the outbreak began, there has been 505 EVD cases (457 confirmed and 48 probable), including 296 deaths, have been reported in 12 health zones in North Kivu Province. Trends in case incidence reflect the continuation of the outbreak across these geographically dispersed areas, with an average of 33 new cases reported each week since mid-October.
“Although there has been a general decrease in the intensity of transmission in Beni in recent weeks, the outbreak is intensifying in Butembo and Katwa, and new clusters are emerging elsewhere. At present, the situation remains concerning,” WHO stated.