The Ebola epidemic in Congo reaches a record of confirmed cases in one day

by



[ad_1]

The epidemic, the second deadliest in history, has proved difficult to control because of community mistrust and violent attacks on health workers.

The World Health Organization said 27 new confirmed cases had been reported Sunday – the largest number in a single day since the beginning of the outbreak last August. Similarly, 126 new cases were reported during the week ending April 28th – the highest weekly total since the Ebola virus was present in the country.

"The increase in the number of new [Ebola] Cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo remain deeply worrying, "said WHO in its latest status report.

According to the latest figures from the DRC Ministry of Health, the total number of confirmed cases is 1,414 and 66 probable. In total, 970 people have died since the beginning of the epidemic, while 412 people have been cured.

"The most difficult circumstances"

The WHO said sporadic violence by armed militias, limited health care resources and difficult access sites meant that "this epidemic occurs in one of the most challenging situations in the world. more difficult ever met by WHO ".

Last month, WHO epidemiologist Dr. Richard Mouzoko was shot dead by gunmen as he and his colleagues worked in Butembo, North Kivu, a province with a long-standing conflict, where dozens of armed groups cause intermittent violence.

"The death of Dr. Mouzoko has deeply touched me," said WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, in a press release issued this week in Butembo.

"I am also deeply concerned about the situation.The cases increase due to violent acts that delay us every time."

The attack took place during a coordination meeting at the hospital where Mouzoko worked.

Doctors Without Borders (MSF) staff members were also attacked, prompting the medical group to suspend work in some areas affected by the Ebola virus.

Suspicion and misinformation

In addition to violence, medical intervention has been hampered by widespread mistrust and misinformation.

A study published in the Lancet medical journal in March found that 25% of the 961 people surveyed in one of the provinces affected by the Ebola virus thought "that the Ebola outbreak was not an epidemic. not real ".

Many deaths occur in the community even before medical personnel have reached them. Of the 27 new cases reported Sunday, 13 were already dead, according to the DRC's health ministry.

Health workers in the red zone of a new Ebola treatment center MSF (Doctors Without Borders) in Bunia, Democratic Republic of Congo.

Unlike the 2014 epidemic in West Africa that killed more than 11,000 people, there are now vaccines and experimental treatments to treat and prevent the spread of the disease.

Dr. Joanne Liu, MSF International President, said at a press conference in March that the Ebola response needed to be more community-based – treating patients as human beings "and not a double threat. ".

"People prefer to stay in the community rather than go to treatment centers," she said.

In contrast to the 2014 outbreak that affected a number of countries in West Africa, the WHO said last month that the current outbreak was not a major problem. "public health emergency of international concern".

The DRC epidemic has affected North Kivu and the neighboring province of Ituri. The two provinces are among the most populous in the country and are bordering on Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan.

"Regardless of the official status of this epidemic, it is clear that the epidemic is not under control and so we need an increased collective effort." The virus did not break down. still spread in neighboring countries, but the possibility exists, "said Gwenola Seroux, of urgency. director of MSF, said after the decision.

[ad_2]

Source link