More than 90% of people eligible for vaccination against the Ebola virus disease in affected regions in DR Congo have accepted to do so, and over 90% of these individuals having participated in follow-up visits.
To date, 89 855 people have been vaccinated. Vaccination teams are continuing to follow-up on the rings where some families have not yet accepted the intervention.
“Response teams are fully operational in all outbreak affected areas. There are encouraging improvements in community acceptance of the response, despite the ongoing challenges of insecurity caused by armed groups,” WHO stated.
But the outbreak rages on…
Since the beginning of the outbreak to 19 March 2019, 980 Ebola virus disease cases (915 confirmed and 65 probable) have been reported, of which 57% (554) were female and 30% (293) were children aged less than 18 years, according to new data released by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Cumulatively, cases have been reported from 130 of 339 health areas across 21 health zones of the North Kivu and Ituri provinces. Overall, 610 deaths (case fatality ratio: 62%) have been reported, and 317 patients have been discharged after treatment in Ebola Treatment Centres (ETCs).
WHO also revealed the outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces has recently shown an increase in the number of cases reported by week, after many weeks of overall decline. It attributed the surge to increased security challenges, including the recent direct attacks on treatment centers, and pockets of community mistrust, which slowed some response activities in affected areas for a few days.
“Katwa, Butembo, Masereka and Mandima account for over 80% of all cases in the last 21 days. A total of 97 confirmed cases were reported during the last 21 days from 38 of the 130 health areas affected to date,” WHO revealed.
The disease was also confirmed in an infant who died in Bunia Health Zone, but whose parents are in good health. This is the first confirmed case from this health zone; a previous case was identified from neighbouring Rwampara Health Zone in early February.
“While investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection, teams in place have rapidly implemented response activities including contact tracing, vaccination and heightened surveillance. Given the geographical spread of the epidemic and the high mobility in this region, the risk of Ebola spreading to unaffected areas or being reintroduced to previously affected areas remains high.”