DRC: At least 75 rabies cases reported in North Kivu

Event

According to health officials, at least 11 people have died from rabies in North Kivu in recent weeks. The most affected area is the Kibua territory, in which 75 cases, including ten deaths, were reported as of Friday, February 16.

Context

Rabies is a viral infection of the central nervous system spread by infected mammals, most often dogs and bats. Transmission occurs via contaminated saliva transferred via bites and scratches or otherwise coming in contact with broken skin or mucous membranes (in the eyes, nose, mouth, etc.). If not promptly treated, rabies is nearly always fatal.

The main line of defense against rabies is to avoid contact with domestic, feral, and wild animals (e.g. bites, scratches, licks); a vaccine is available for at-risk individuals (e.g. people who live or travel to isolated areas, far from medical clinics) and treatment after transmission is possible if caught before symptoms appear.

Advice

Individuals present in North Kivu are advised to avoid all contact unfamiliar animals (especially those acting erratically), make sure pets are vaccinated against the disease, and seek immediate medical attention if there is any possibility that transmission may have occurred.

More generally, a number of Western governments advise their citizens against travel to the east and northeast of the country due to poor security conditions, including the presence of armed groups and a high risk of kidnapping. Professional security advice should be sought prior to travel.