Aid groups weigh in on DRC topping 2,000 Ebola cases
As expected, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) health ministry marked an Ebola outbreak milestone of passing 2,000 cases, and groups working in the region called for pushing the reset button on the response, reports CIDRAP. In its daily update, the DRC said the outbreak passed the 2,000-case bar on Jun 2. Officials said that, although the landmark is concerning, the health ministry sees some positive signs, including a slight improvement in the security situation, though the situation remains volatile and unpredictable.
DRC officials said the three main challenges are stronger identification and follow-up of all contacts of confirmed cases and infection prevention and control in community health facilities, where 25 percent to 30 percent of Ebola infections occur. Also, the ministry said community death rates remain high, and 28 percent to 43 percent of Ebola deaths are occurring outside Ebola treatment or transit centers.
The ministry added that most incidents related to community resistance have been resolved by community leaders, sensitizers, and psychosocial experts. Another positive sign is that the outbreak is still geographically contained, though the risk remains high because of significant population movements. Also, nine earlier-affected health zones have gone 21 days without reporting any new cases.
In a statement, the International Rescue Committee (IRC) pointed out that, since the outbreak total hit 1,000 in late March, daily cases have more than tripled. The group is working in Katwa, Butembo, and Beni to support health ministry staff, is helping the provincial capital city Goma prepare for Ebola and is working with women and children to help them cope with the outbreak's impact.
With persistent mistrust and insecurity hampering daily response activities, the current total is probably an undercount, the IRC warned. Seven more people died from Ebola, boosting the fatality count to 1,346. Six people died in community settings, an occurrence that raises the risk of transmission, and one person died at Butembo's Ebola treatment center.
