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The National IHR Focal Point of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has notified the WHO of cases of yellow fever (YF) connected with the current outbreak in Angola on 22 March 2016.
The DRC national surveillance system reported a total of 151 suspected cases of YF, including 21 deaths between January to 22 March 2016. Of the 151 suspected cases, 9 were confirmed by serology (IgM) testing. The IgM positive samples were sent to the Pasteur Institute of Dakar for confirmation where 4 tested positive for YF. Of the 4 cases confirmed in Dakar, 3 were imported from Angola and were detected in the areas of Nsona-Pangu, Kimpese and Kitona in Kongo Central province in DRC which shares borders with Angola.
The DRC National Committee for outbreak management is responding by strengthening disease surveillance, increasing vector control, targeting the vaccination of all individuals travelling to Angola, and reinforcing border monitoring at points of entry.
The DRC is YF endemic and since January 2016 autochthonous suspected cases have been recorded in the provinces of Bas-Uele, Equateur, Kasai central, and Tshuapa. However, the report of YF cases in travellers returning from Angola highlights the risk of international spread of the disease. Consequently the WHO has advised strengthening the control of immunisation status of travellers to all potentially YF endemic areas.
(Via WHO Disease Outbreak News - accessed 12/04/16)
There is a risk of yellow fever in DRC and vaccination is advised for travellers (unless contraindicated). A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required for all travellers over 1 year of age.
Travellers should also take steps to avoid mosquito bites.
