DR Congo reports over 130 suspected Ebola deaths
Kinshasa, May 19
Around 131 suspected deaths and 513 suspected cases have been reported in the latest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba said Tuesday.
Speaking at a special briefing in Kinshasa after returning from the affected area, Kamba said the deaths were recorded in the affected zones but cautioned that not all were necessarily caused by Ebola.
"These are suspected deaths, and investigations are underway to determine which are actually linked to the disease," he said.
Congolese health authorities declared a new Ebola outbreak in the eastern province of Ituri on May 15, the country's 17th since 1976. Cases have also been confirmed in the neighbouring North Kivu province, said Kamba, Xinhua news agency reported.
He said the outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which is considered less deadly than the Zaire strain, adding that the DRC has extensive experience responding to Ebola.
On Sunday, the World Health Organisation declared the Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern.
International spread has already been documented, with two confirmed cases reported in Kampala, Uganda, on May 15 and 16 following travel from the DRC. Both confirmed cases were admitted to intensive care units in Kampala, said the organisation on Sunday.
Neighbouring countries, including Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania, have stepped up surveillance, border screening and emergency preparedness measures.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention on Monday declared the latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC and Uganda as a public health emergency of continental security.
The border between Rwanda and the DRC in the former's Rubavu District was closed on Sunday following the Ebola outbreak in the DRC, an official said.
Ebola virus is highly contagious and can cause symptoms including fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, generalised pain or malaise, and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.
According to the WHO, Ebola fatality rates range from 50 per cent to 89 per cent, depending on the viral subtype.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I feel for the people of DRC and Uganda, I can't help but think about how unprepared many African nations are. The WHO declaring a public health emergency is overdue - this should have been flagged weeks ago.
As someone who travels between India and East Africa for business, this is worrying. I hope Rwanda's border closure is effective. We need global cooperation to contain this before it spreads further.
The situation in DRC is tragic but I'm more concerned about how this will affect global travel. India just reopened for tourism and now this. At least the Bundibugyo strain is less deadly. Still, 131 deaths is not something to ignore.
Remember when Ebola was making headlines during the 2014 West Africa outbreak? Now it's back. African healthcare systems need major investment. It's good that neighboring countries are stepping up surveillance. We should send our doctors and experts if needed.
The fatality rate of 50-89% is terrifying. 😨 But I'm glad the DRC has experience handling Ebola. Hope international aid reaches quickly. India should also start screening passengers from affected regions immediately.
This is a serious public health crisis. The fact that cases have already spread to Uganda is alarming. I hope our Indian health officials are
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