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Ebola outbreak affects 61 health zones in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The World Health Organization’s Regional Office for Africa announced that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is affecting 61 health zones across six provinces. The outbreak, which began in mid-May, has recorded 6,686 cases and 3,226 deaths.
Kayna Health Zone in North Kivu province has been added to the areas affected by the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The World Health Organization’s (WHO) Regional Office for Africa said the outbreak is now affecting 61 health zones across six provinces.
At least 6,686 cases have been identified in the country since the outbreak began in mid-May. Of these cases, 3,226 resulted in deaths.
Transmission patterns differ across provinces
The WHO said the epidemiological picture of the outbreak linked to the Bundibugyo virus strain in the Congo is becoming increasingly varied. Transmission trends are not following the same pattern across the affected provinces and health zones.
Ituri remains the main focus of the outbreak, while intense transmission continues in North Kivu and Haut-Uele. The WHO said new areas also continue to be affected by the outbreak.
The affected provinces are Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Bas-Uele and Tshopo.
Community deaths increase
The proportion of deaths occurring in communities before people reach health facilities has also increased. According to the WHO, community deaths accounted for 75% of confirmed deaths between Aug. 31 and Sept. 6. The rate was 56.6% two weeks earlier.
The WHO said this high rate could be linked to multiple factors, including delays in detecting and reporting the disease, late transportation of patients to treatment centers, insufficient recognition of symptoms, transportation and geographical barriers, and trust issues within communities.
The WHO said that while community deaths are increasing, the decline in deaths at treatment centers shows that the earlier reduction in the overall death rate has not continued.
Government launches 180-day plan
The government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo and its health partners launched an updated 180-day multisectoral response plan last week to expand efforts to combat the outbreak and break chains of virus transmission. A budget of $1.3 billion was announced for the plan.
The plan includes strengthening epidemiological surveillance, monitoring contacts, improving communication with communities, risk communication and increasing logistical capacity. Preparedness for provinces at risk is also among the plan’s objectives.
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