The Democratic Republic of Congo declared an Ebola outbreak in the country. It has caused 15 deaths among 28 people with symptoms, the health ministry of the country said. It's the 16th outbreak of Ebola in Congo, and Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba said the fatality rate, estimated at 53.6 per cent, showed the gravity of the situation.
Amid the research on the suspected cases was ongoing, a confirmed case of a 34-year-old pregnant woman in the locality of Boulape in southern Kasai province.
“To date, the provisional report shows 28 suspected cases and 15 deaths, including 14 in Boulape and 1 in Mweka, as well as four healthcare workers,” Kamba said.
The suspected cases and deaths presented symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and heavy bleeding. The World Health Organization (WHO) said it dispatched its experts alongside Congo's Rapid Response Team to Kasai province to strengthen disease surveillance, treatment, and infection prevention and control in health facilities.
It is also delivering supplies, including personal protective equipment, mobile laboratory equipment, and medical supplies. Congo has a stockpile of treatments and of the Ervebo Ebola vaccine, WHO cited.
“We're acting with determination to rapidly halt the spread of the virus and protect communities,” said Mohamed Janabi, WHO regional director for Africa.
The Ebola virus is highly contagious and can be contracted through bodily fluids such as vomit, blood, or semen. The disease it causes is a rare but severe — and often fatal — illness in people.
Follow us
