DRC: Ebola outbreak in Équateur leaves 26 dead as of May 21 /update 5

Event

An ongoing outbreak of Ebola virus disease (EVD) has left at least 26 people dead in Équateur province as of Monday, May 21. Some 46 cases of hemorrhagic fever have been reported; of those cases, 21 cases of Ebola have been confirmed. The outbreak, previously centered in the Bikoro health zone, has reportedly spread to Mbandaka in recent days. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that the risk of further Ebola transmission in the DRC is "very high," and has sent 4000 doses of experimental Ebola vaccine to curtail the spread of the outbreak. Health authorities are expected to begin a vaccination campaign in affected areas in the coming days.

To prevent further spread of the disease, Nigeria, Ghana, and Gabon have implemented health inspections at ports of entry for all passengers arriving from DRC. Despite such measures, the spread of the disease is expected in affected areas in the near-term.

Context

EVD is extremely virulent. The disease is transmitted to humans via direct contact with the blood, secretions, organs, or other bodily fluids of infected animals. The disease can then be transmitted between humans and is highly contagious, particularly during the hemorrhagic phase. Ebola is characterized by the sudden onset of high fever, weakness, joint and muscle pain, and headache. A sore throat is also a common early symptom. These symptoms are followed by nausea/vomiting, diarrhea, rashes, kidney and liver failure, and, in some cases, internal and external bleeding.

From December 2013 to June 2016, an Ebola outbreak led to over 28,000 suspected cases and 11,310 deaths in Liberia, Sierra Leone, Guinea, Nigeria, and Mali.

Advice

Given the highly infectious nature of the disease travelers should avoid affected areas and monitor the situation. To prevent the spread of EVD:

• Avoid contact with infected individuals and any items that have been in their close proximity
• Avoid consuming bush meat and only handle animals when wearing gloves and the appropriate protective wear
• Animal products (meat and blood) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption
• Adhere to a strict observance of hygienic precautions (wash hands regularly, etc.)
• Avoid crowded areas (stadiums, markets, train stations, etc.)

Individuals exhibiting the abovementioned symptoms - particularly after potential exposure to disease vectors - should seek immediate medical attention. Comply with all directives issued by local health authorities.