Reports of Ebola Outbreak Near Mbandaka, Province of Equateur
Category: Health and Medical
Severity: 3 (Moderate)
Source: Drum Cussac
05/17/2018 (Congo (Kinshasa)) - According to international media sources on Wednesday, 16 May, the country's health minister Oly Ilunga Kalenga has stated that at least one person has been infected with Ebola virus near the city of Mbandaka. The city of Mbandaka is home to hundreds of thousands of people and according to the minister represents a "new phase" of the outbreak. There have been 23 confirmed deaths caused by the disease but thus far they occurred in mainly isolated and rural environments. The urban nature of the most recent case poses a serious threat especially given the close proximity of the city to Kinshasa and its use as a prime transit point for trade coming into the capitol along the Congo river. International health authorities have previously stated that an outbreak in Mbandaka would significantly complicate efforts to contain and fight the disease.
Personnel travelling to the DRC should remain apprised of Ebola-related developments as a precautionary measure. Adhere to all directives issued by local authorities. Frequent hand-washing, wearing protective clothing and abstaining from consuming bush meat can help to minimise the risk of exposure. Travellers presenting symptoms of high fever, severe headache, muscle pain, weakness, diarrhoea and vomiting should seek medical attention immediately.
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