Rebel conflict exacerbates worries over Ebola outbreak in DRC



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Updated: 25/09/18 at 16:20 EDT

The World Health Organization (WHO) is worried about a number of variables likely to create more difficult conditions in the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo ( DRC).

During the month of September, the number of new cases associated with the epidemic decreased significantly compared to August. As of September 23, 2018, only 19 new cases had been confirmed since September 1, 2018.

However, due to widespread violence in the city of Beni, all of WHO's efforts to stem the epidemic have been suspended for the time being and officials are concerned about the repercussions.

On Saturday, September 23, 2018, rebel forces launched an attack in the city of Beni, in North Kivu province. A total of 21 people were killed in the conflict, including 17 civilians.

In an update on September 24, 2018, Health Minister Olly Ilunga Kalenga said the period of mourning was observedeffectively suspend all activities related to the prevention of Ebola; However, treatment centers remain open to treat all active Ebola cases. (See tweet)

As a result of the unrest, civil organizations have requested that the period of mourning be extended until Friday, September 28, 2018. The morning's conditions include the suspension of all Ebola prevention activities, including door-to-door surveillance and vaccine distribution. , follow-up of contacts of patients and deceased, and training in prevention.

"We heard this morning, that [the mourning period]Peter Salama, PhD, Deputy Director of Emergency Preparedness and Response, WHO interview"Which basically means for the United Nations family, including the WHO, a lockout in Beni. Our operations are pending. "

Since the beginning of the epidemic, the city of Beni has recorded the second highest number of confirmed cases, with 29 confirmed cases and 4 probable cases.

Dr. Salama said that due to the period of mourning, WHO staff could only have access to 20% of the contacts of patients that they had the intention to evaluate. The number of vulnerable people who may be infected during this period may continue to increase.

On September 25, 2018, the Ministry of Health announced that the Mayor of Beni had met with Beni's civil society president and concluded that Ebola prevention activities could resume during the remainder of the mourning period. As such, Ebola prevention activities by the Ministry of Health and partner organizations, including WHO, could resume.

According to the United Nations, periods of mourning could extend to neighboring cities that are also most affected by the Ebola outbreak.

the total number of cases of epidemic includes 150 cases, of which 119 are confirmed and 31 are probable. There were a total of 100 deaths, including 69 in patients confirmed to have Ebola, and the remaining death related to probable cases.

In addition to the civil unrest in Beni, the health authorities are also concerned that 2 cases have been reported in the town of Chimona, located along the Ugandan border. Of the 2 patients, 1 died and the other was placed in isolation in a local hospital.

according to a tweet published by Dr. Salamathe spread in Chioma is particularly worrying because the first patient to fall sick avoids health workers and refuses care. The second patient was the spouse of the original patient.

Uganda considers that new cases pose a serious threat to the country and has intensified its preparation in case the epidemic spreads.

the Ministry of Health of Uganda then launched Ebola vaccination simulations for health workers in five high-risk districts in the country. In addition, Uganda has introduced a system for screening and monitoring the entry of people with Ebola-like symptoms.

For the most recent case accounts associated with the Tenth Ebola outbreak in the DRC, Check Contagion® Outbreak Monitor.

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