Ebola affects 66 health zones in seven Congolese provinces
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Beto
The Congolese health minister reported a fresh rise in Ebola cases, as the outbreak remains active in seven provinces and has affected 66 of the 178 health zones concerned. Presented to the Council of Ministers on 23 October, the response is focused in particular on Mandima and North Kivu, according to the government report cited by Beto.
The Ebola epidemic has affected 66 health zones across seven provinces of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, out of the 178 zones in those provinces, the Minister of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare told the Council of Ministers on 23 October. He called for continued vigilance in the face of a recent rise in cases.
Twelve of the affected zones have reported no cases for 42 days and five for more than 21 days. The 42 days represent two maximum incubation periods; after that time without a new case, a zone can be declared free of the epidemic. Forty-nine zones therefore remain active.
Response efforts have been refocused on Mandima, in Ituri, and North Kivu province. The strategy includes strengthening community surveillance, stepping up ring vaccination, improving early diagnosis and treatment, and ensuring that the necessary resources are available.
The response is supported by 24 laboratories and more than 26 treatment centres. In Bunia, however, health workers in the Rwampara health zone issued an ultimatum after going 77 days without a bonus. The minister also reported a fall in cholera figures.
