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The Ministry of Health (MoH) has carried out a retrospective epidemiological investigation and identified additional confirmed and probable cases of Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As of 12 September 2012, 41 cases (9 laboratory confirmed, and 32 probable) have been reported from Haut-Uélé district in Province Orientale. Of these cases, 18 have been fatal. (5 confirmed and 13 probable). Eighteen healthcare workers are included among the probable cases. Twenty eight suspected cases have also been reported and are being investigated.
Since the last update, an additional 27 cases (1 laboratory confirmed and 26 probable) of EHF were identified through retrospective epidemiological investigation in the two health zones of Isiro and Viadana.
A National Task Force convened by the Democratic Republic of Congo Ministry of Health is working with several partners to control the outbreak.
(Via Global Alert and Response - accessed 17/09/12)
Advice for Travellers
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has assessed the risk for travellers and EU citizens residing in the country:
"The risk of residents and travellers becoming infected or developing the disease is extremely low, unless there has been direct contact with blood, bodily fluids of dead or living infected persons or animals. As a precautionary measure, EU citizens in DRC should avoid such contact. Travellers returning from tropical countries should always seek rapid medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache or general malaise) within three weeks after return."
Advice for Healthcare Professionals
Any patient presenting with a fever (>38ºC) or history of fever in the previous 24 hours, within 21 days of visiting a region where VHFs occur; and who may been exposed to a patient or animal infected with VHF (including their blood, body fluids or tissues); should be assessed as to risk of VHF using the risk assessment algorithm in the Department of Health guidelines.
