The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) Could End Ebola Outbreak by December, Says WHO
In a recent development, the World Health Organization (WHO) has announced that the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC could be declared over by early December if no new cases are detected before then. This announcement comes as a significant milestone in the country's battle against the deadly virus, with the last Ebola patient being discharged from a treatment center following a full recovery.
The WHO's Regional Office for Africa issued a statement highlighting the 42-day countdown that begins with the patient's discharge. During this period, the outbreak can be officially declared over if no new cases are identified. Since the outbreak was declared on September 4 in Bulape, a health zone in the central province of Kasai, a total of 64 cases have been reported, including 53 confirmed and 11 probable. Nineteen patients have recovered, and no new cases have been reported since September 25.
Mohamed Janabi, the WHO regional director for Africa, expressed his admiration for the progress made. He stated that the recovery of the last patient, just six weeks after the outbreak was declared, is a remarkable achievement. This achievement is a testament to the strength of partnerships, national expertise, and the collective determination to overcome challenges and save lives.
It's worth noting that the DRC had previously declared the end of its 15th Ebola outbreak in September 2022, which emerged in the eastern province of North Kivu. Ebola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever that causes a range of symptoms, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, generalized pain, and malaise, and often leads to internal and external bleeding, according to the WHO.
This announcement comes as a glimmer of hope in the ongoing efforts to combat the Ebola outbreak in the DRC. However, the WHO emphasizes the importance of remaining vigilant and continuing surveillance to ensure that the outbreak is indeed over. The organization also encourages the public to remain informed and take necessary precautions to prevent the spread of the virus.
