Outbreak of Ebola in Democratic Republic of the Congo (Update 5)
15 Oct 2018
ProMED reported
, as of 13 October 2018, 207 cases, of which 172 are confirmed and 35 are probable. Of the 172 confirmed cases, 95 have died and 54 have recovered.
WHO claimed that one of the central reasons for the spread of the virus in the eastern city of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is insecurity. North Kivu, like other adjoining provinces, is the scene of an armed conflict involving government forces and various rebel armed factions. A recent attack that left several civilians dead forced the WHO to suspend for some days its activities of epidemiological surveillance, monitoring of people who had contact with sick people, as well as vaccination.
Advice to travellers
When Ebola outbreaks occur, generally the risk of travellers becoming infected or developing Ebola virus disease is extremely low.
Travellers returning from tropical countries should always seek rapid medical attention if they develop flu-like symptoms (such as fever, headache, diarrhoea or general malaise) within three weeks after return, and be reminded to mention to their health care provider that they have recently travelled.
For further information see Viral Haemorrhagic Fever.