Ebola cases top 500 in DR Congo amid spread warning
Kinshasa, June 8
The tally of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has risen to 515, including 91 deaths, as the health authorities warned of continued transmission and the risk of further increases if control measures are not put in place quickly.
The update, published on Sunday (local time) by the health ministry, said that three more patients were declared recovered, bringing the count of recoveries to 12 as of June 6.
The report said 117 suspected cases were recorded, while 283 patients remained in isolation or hospitalisation.
The report said a large number of confirmed patients developed symptoms between May 14 and May 23, suggesting "increased contamination from a probable common source", with a peak observed on May 18. It said another group of confirmed patients developed symptoms between May 25 and June 3, "demonstrating the spread of the disease" and possibly forming "an important reservoir."
"An increase in cases may be recorded if adequate measures are not put in place very quickly," it said.
The response remains hampered by weak contact tracing, community resistance to post-mortem testing, insufficient capacity at standardised Ebola treatment centres, shortages of infection prevention and control materials, and limited funding, according to the report.
The report said the overall contact follow-up rate in three affected provinces was 50.3 per cent, far below the target of 95 per cent, reports Xinhua news agency.
Laboratory capacity also remains under pressure, with 193 test results still pending due to a reagent shortage in North Kivu province.
The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was officially declared by the health ministry on May 15.
— IANS
Reader Comments
The low contact tracing rate is alarming. Only 50% follow-up? That's a recipe for disaster. WHO needs to step up funding and supplies urgently.
Community resistance to post-mortem testing is understandable but dangerous. In rural India too, many families are hesitant about tests. Education and trust-building are key. The authorities must engage local leaders.
91 deaths out of 515 confirmed cases. The mortality rate is high but manageable if treated early. The real worry is the pending test results and reagent shortage. That's a critical bottleneck.
Bundibugyo strain is less deadly than Zaire but still serious. The report mentioning "increased contamination from a probable common source" sounds like a wedding or funeral gathering. That's exactly how things spread quickly in close-knit communities.
What's worrying is the weak health infrastructure even before this outbreak. Reagent shortage and insufficient treatment centres show the gaps. India has faced similar challenges in remote areas. Global solidarity is needed now more than ever.
"An increase in cases may be recorded if adequate measures are not put in place very quickly." This is like a ticking time bomb. The world must not forget this crisis amidst other news. Sending thoughts from India.
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