News
13 September 2007
Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
An outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever has been reported in the Province of Kasai-Occidental, Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) [1]. Laboratory analysis of samples from cases have confirmed the presence of Ebola virus. Shigella dysenteriae type 1 has also been documented in some cases, supporting a possible concurrent outbreak with Shigella. As of 11 September 2007, the World Health Organization (WHO) reported 372 cases including 166 deaths.
WHO, Médecins Sans Frontières, and national and international experts are assisting with surveillance and management. Ebola control strategies are being put in place, isolation facilities have been set up and equipment and supplies, such as personal protective equipment, are being sent to the area.
Advice for travellers
Ebola haemorrhagic fever is a severe disease caused by a virus of the Filoviridae family. Following an incubation period of around four to ten days (range two to 21 days) the disease presents with the sudden onset of fever, headache, joint and muscle aches and weakness. As the infection progresses, nausea, vomiting and diarrhoea, shortness of breath, confusion and haemorrhage can all occur. This can lead to multi-organ failure, shock, and death in severe cases.
The likelihood of travellers contracting Ebola is low unless there has been direct contact with the blood or body fluids of infected persons, or with objects, such as needles, that have been contaminated with body fluids.
Travellers should avoid all contact with infected patients. Those who are providing medical care or are involved in the evaluation of an outbreak, should observe strict barrier protection measures. Travellers who have been potentially exposed to Ebola virus should seek medical attention immediately if they experience any of the above symptoms within the first 21 days of return to the UK.
UK guidance on the management and control of haemorrhagic fevers has been written by the Advisory Committee on Dangerous Pathogens: http://www.hpa.org.uk/infections/topics_az/VHF/ACDP_VHF_
Guidance for healthcare workers who will be working with VHF patients in African healthcare settings, has been written by the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in conjunction with the World Health Organization: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/vhfmanual.htm
References
1. World Health Organization. Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 11 September 2007. Accessed 12 September 2007. Available at http://www.who.int/csr/don/2007_09_11/en/index.html
Links
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, United States. Ebola hemorrhagic fever. On-line resource accessed 12 September 2007. Available at: http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/spb/mnpages/dispages/ebola.ht
World Health Organization. Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever. On-line resource accessed 13 September 2007. Available at:
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