The fight against Ebola strengthens
The latest External Situation Report from the World Health Organization states that the continuing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is ‘of particular concern’. It states that there have been 65 new confirmed cases reported between 1 and 7 April, and that during the 21 days between 18 March and 7 April, 58 health areas within 13 health zones reported new cases, with 199 confirmed cases in Katwa (69), Vuhovi (36), Mandima (30), Beni (18), Butembo (16), Masereka (13), Oicha (eight), Kayna (two), Lubero (two), Musienene (two), Kalunguta (one), Bunia (one) and Mabalako (one).
The report also states that infection, prevention and control (IPC) activities have further strengthened this week, with IPC teams on the ground partaking in community dialogues with local leaders of different health zones to address resistance to decontamination efforts. WHO said that it is confident that a robust implementation of effective IPC measures will help slow the spread of Ebola in ‘hotspot’ areas in the coming weeks.
WHO said that it is continuing to work with the Ministry of Health and other national partners in the DRC to implement outbreak control interventions. These include surveillance and laboratory, case management, IPC and water, sanitation and hygiene, among others. WHO said that it advises against any restriction of travel to the DRC and that it is continuing to monitor and, if necessary, verify travel and trade measures in relation to the outbreak.