The Ebola outbreak declared in May in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has spread to four other countries and now affects Central, East and West Africa. The Bundibugyo virus is actively reported in the DRC, Kenya and Nigeria, while Uganda's outbreak has ended and the patient treated in France has recovered. The spread across borders has prompted health authorities to greater vigilance and cooperation.
The World Health Organization (WHO) latest available figures show that the DRC as of 18 October recorded 9 552 confirmed cases and 4 602 deaths. Kenya reported nine confirmed cases as of 20 October, including one death. Nigeria confirmed its first imported case on 20 October: a woman with recent travel history to Uganda. She is in isolation and receiving medical treatment. Health authorities have identified 44 contacts being monitored. The WHO is working with local authorities on investigations, contact tracing and infection control.
Africa CDC announced on 21 October that it will convene a high-level virtual meeting on 28 October with Africa's health ministers to discuss the virus spread and strengthen cross-border cooperation. Countries are called upon to increase surveillance of possible cases, cooperation between neighbouring countries and protection of health workers.
The Bundibugyo virus is a type of Ebola virus. The WHO warns that countries in the region must remain vigilant, identify cases quickly and follow up possible contacts to limit further spread.
Sources: WHO, Africa CDC
This article is an automatic English translation of a Nuusflits article originally published in Afrikaans. Read the Afrikaans original.
