Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo DRC is showing signs of slowing down, with recent figures indicating a downward trend in new infections, the World Health Organization WHO has confirmed.
In the week ending September 28, seven cases, including six confirmed and one probable, were reported from Bulape Health Zone in DRC, a decline from the previous week when 11 confirmed cases were recorded. Since September 30, no new cases have been reported.
As of October 1, a cumulative total of 64 cases, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable, and 42 deaths, had been recorded. The outbreak remains localized in Bulape.
WHO said significant progress had been made in the response over the past three weeks.
More than 97 percent of the over 1 000 listed contacts were monitored, and an increasing number of alerts were being received and promptly investigated, showing an improvement in surveillance. Clinical care was also boosted, with the Bulape treatment centre expanded to a 44-bed facility.
Infection prevention, control measures and community engagement have been reinforced.
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More than 8 000 frontline health workers, contacts of confirmed cases and their contacts have been vaccinated.
A new vaccination drive is targeting 18 000 doses in 19 localities in Bulape to protect populations at risk and stop further spread of the virus.
“The early signs of progress are encouraging and underscore the need to sustain and intensify the life saving measures,” said Dr Mohamed Janabi, WHO Regional Director for Africa.
“Every day without a case and every recovered patient moves us closer towards ending the outbreak.”
WHO said continued support was essential to stop the outbreak completely.
“Continued efforts remain crucial to enhancing response operations in hotspots and sustain the progress. Additional financial resources are also needed to further bolster the response,” said Mohamed
A Regional Strategic Preparedness and Response Plan has been launched, requiring US$66,6 million to support the national response and strengthen long-term health system resilience.
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