Ebola virus disease – Democratic Republic of Congo
On 26 August 2014, the Ministry of Health, Democratic Republic of Congo
(DRC) notified the World Health Organization (WHO) of an outbreak of
Ebola virus disease (EVD) in Equateur Province.
The index case was a pregnant woman from Ikanamongo Village who
butchered a bush animal that had been killed and given to her by her
husband. She became ill with symptoms of EVD and reported to a private
clinic in Isaka Village. On 11 August 2014, she died of a
then-unidentified haemorrhagic fever. Local customs and rituals
associated with death meant that several health-care workers were
exposed and presented with similar symptoms in the following week.
Between 28 July and 18 August 2014, a total of 24 suspected cases of
haemorrhagic fever, including 13 deaths, have been identified.
Human-to-human transmission has been established and includes the
health-care personnel who were exposed to the deceased pregnant woman
during surgery (one doctor and two nurses) in addition to the hygienist
and a ward boy, all of whom developed symptoms and died. Other deaths
have been recorded among the relatives who attended the index case,
individuals who were in contact with the clinic staff, and those who
handled the bodies of the deceased during funerals. The other 11 cases
are currently being treated in isolation centres.
Samples have been sent to laboratories in Kinshasa and in Gabon for
confirmation of EVD and to identify the strain. The index case and the
80 contacts have no history of travel to the EVD-affected countries in
West Africa (Guinea, Liberia, Nigeria, or Sierra Leone) or history of
contact with individuals from the affected areas. At this time, it is
believed that the outbreak in DRC is unrelated to the ongoing outbreak
in west Africa. Health sector response
The Ministry of Health of DRC has dispatched field teams to the area to
monitor and evaluate the situation. Contact tracing has begun and 80
individuals are currently being followed-up. Treatment of patients is
ongoing and infection prevention and control measures are in place and
are being supported by WHO with the delivery of personal protective
equipment to the area.
WHO is currently monitoring the situation with the Government of DRC
and awaiting confirmation of the disease strain from the laboratories.
A rapid response team is poised to deploy and assist DRC, if needed.
This is the seventh outbreak of EVD in the former Zaire / present DRC
since 1976.
WHO does not recommend any travel or trade restrictions be applied
except in cases where individuals have been confirmed or are suspected
of being infected with EVD or where individuals have had contact with
cases of EVD. (Contacts do not include properly-protected health-care
workers and laboratory staff.)
