An analysis of latest figures showed confirmed cases of Ebola in DR Congo rose by 23% within 3 days
Within 3 days, 3 more cases of Ebola virus disease were confirmed by the World Health Organization in addition to one more death according to the latest figures released today.
As at 6 August 2018, the number of confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo is 16, an increment of 3 new cases from the 13 confirmed cases reported on 3 August 2018 by the WHO.
An analysis of the figures showed the number of cases from a statistical perspective rose by over 23% within 3 days and at this rate, the number of confirmed cases could double within a week.
WHO’s latest data also revealed there has been one more death arising from the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo between 3 and 6 August. According to the previous data released by the global health body, the number of deaths as of 3 August was 33 but the number had risen to 34 as of 6 August.
The average case fatality rate for Ebola virus disease is around 50%. Case fatality rates have varied from 25% to 90% in past outbreaks.
While the total number of cases within the period remain unchanged , still at 43, there has been a reduction in the number of probable cases which has reduced from 30 on 3 August to 27 on 6 August. Since all the cases that left the probable group moved to the confirmed cases subset, public health expert said the trend suggested that more probable cases could be confirmed in days ahead.
The data however showed there had not been additional suspected cases within the 3 days since the total number of cases remain the same.
In a statement made available to healthnews.africa, WHO said it is working with partners “to contain and stop this latest outbreak as quickly as possible.”
WHO has also released $2 million from its Contingency Fund for Emergencies
Response efforts
The agency is focusing on contact tracing, infection prevention and control, particularly as regards health facilities, isolation and care of patients, outreach to communities.
“About 30 staff already in, or on their way to Beni. Teams also headed to Mangina. Some of the staff were involved in the operation in Equateur Province. Staff include logisticians, epidemiologist, communicators, clinical care specialists, community engagement specialists, and emergency coordinators,” WHO stated.
It added that contact tracing has started in affected zones but needs to be further strengthened rapidly. More than 900 contacts have been registered thus far in Mangina. Furthermore, treatment centres are being set up in Beni (by Alima) and in Mangina (by MSF France).
WHO announced a team of vaccination experts from Guinea will be deployed to support ring vaccination (once strain confirmed). Draft SAGE recommendations and a revised protocol are expected on 6 August. Vaccination is expected to begin this week if all the necessary steps are in place. A clinical team with therapeutics are arriving on 7 August.
“Safe burials have been carried out in Beni. Systems is being set up to ensure that safe and dignified burials will be conducted throughout the affected zones; thus far two sites are covered– one in Beni and one in Mangina,” WHO added.
Surveillance at points of entry/Cross-border preparedness
The Regional Emergency Director for Africa has informed neighbouring countries (Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi, South Sudan) of the outbreak and emphasized the need for heightened surveillance and preparedness actions in the respective countries, particularly along the border with North Kivu.
Furthermore, 28 key points of entry have been identified to strengthen surveillance capacity to rapidly detect and respond to potential new Ebola cases (visual observation, temperature measurement, health form, medical referral), and to engage communities on border areas to improve knowledge of EVD and its prevention.