What is the situation with Ebola in Democratic of Congo?
The Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo declared an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in the country after a case was confirmed from Mbandaka, Equateur province. The onset of symptoms was on 5 April. The case subsequently died on 21 April, and a safe and dignified burial was performed.
How many Ebola outbreaks have there been in DRC?
Since 1976, when the virus was first discovered, DR Congo has had 14 Ebola virus outbreaks, but the frequency is drastically increasing, Mory Keita, WHO Ebola Incident Manager in Équateur, told The Lancet. From 2017 to 2022, at least one outbreak has occurred each year. There were two in 2021.
When was Ebola declared a pandemic?
On August 8, 2014, WHO declared the deteriorating situation in West Africa a Public Health Emergency of International Concern (PHEIC), which is designated only for events with a risk of potential international spread or that require a coordinated international response.
When did Ebola reach DRC?
On August 24, 2014, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Ministry of Health notified the World Health Organization of an outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Equateur Province. The index case was a pregnant woman from Ikanamongo Village who butchered a bush animal.
What caused the Ebola outbreak in Congo?
African fruit bats are likely involved in the spread of Ebola virus and may even be the source animal (reservoir host). Scientists continue to search for conclusive evidence of the bat’s role in transmission of Ebola.
WHO Ebola in DRC?
The WHO said the latest outbreak is the DRC’s 14th since 1976. Since 2018, the country has reported six outbreaks, the more frequent in its Ebola history. Two earlier outbreaks in Equateur Province, one in 2018 and one in 2020, resulted in 130 and 54 cases, respectively.
What caused Ebola in Congo?
Scientists do not know where Ebola virus comes from. Based on similar viruses, they believe EVD is animal-borne, with bats or nonhuman primates being the most likely source. Infected animals carrying the virus can transmit it to other animals, like apes, monkeys, duikers and humans.
WHO Ebola DRC 2018?
In 2018, the DR Congo declared the second-largest Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in history since the virus was first discovered in 1976. As of June 25, 2020, 3470 EVD cases had been reported, including 3317 confirmed and 153 probable cases, with 2287 death (overall case fatality ratio 66%).