DRC: Ebola epidemic death toll reaches 2137 in eastern provinces as of early October /update 61

Event

According to national health officials' Ebola Virus Visease (EVD), the EVD epidemic death toll in South Kivu, North Kivu, and Ituri provinces has reached 2137 victims as of Wednesday, October 2. This represents a total number of victims since the beginning of the outbreak in August 2018, during which at least 3198 cases have been reported. Despite this, officials announced on Friday, October 4, that the number of cases had recently decreased from 10 to 20 per day, to only one on October 2, and that more than 1000 people have been successfully cured.

Authorities, however, stated that the risk of regional transmission remains high given the region's high level of insecurity, porous borders, and transient population.

Context

On July 17, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the ongoing Ebola virus disease (EVD) epidemic in the DRC's North Kivu and Ituri provinces constitutes a "public health emergency of international concern." The WHO defines a "public health emergency of international concern" as an "extraordinary event" that constitutes a public health risk to multiple states through the international spread of a disease and which may require an international response.

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.

Advice

Travelers should avoid areas affected by the outbreak 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 appropriate protective wear.
• Animal products (e.g. meat and blood) should be thoroughly cooked before consumption.
• Adhere to a strict observance of hygienic precautions (e.g. wash hands regularly, etc.).
• Avoid crowded areas (e.g. stadiums, markets, train stations, etc.).

Individuals exhibiting the abovementioned symptoms and traveling in an area of active EVD transmission should seek immediate medical attention and comply with all directives issued by local health authorities.