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UNICEF DR Congo Weekly Ebola Situation Report #4 - 6 June 2017

Countries
DR Congo
Sources
UNICEF
Publication date

Highlights

• As of 4 June 2017, the total number of reported cases was 8, including 3 probable cases and 5 laboratory confirmed cases (2 confirmed cases by PCR - search of virus in the blood and 3 cases with positive serology IgG -search of antibodies in the blood).

• As of 4 June 2017, there were 4 recorded deaths, including 1confirmed Ebola case and 3 probable cases.

• The last confirmed case was reported and isolated on 11 May translating to 21 days without a confirmed case as of 2 June 2017.

• The protocol for a possible ring vaccination has been formally approved by the DRC national regulatory authority and the Ethics Review Board. While the current epidemiological situation is not appropriate for the ring vaccination, preparations are ongoing in order to quickly initiate ring vaccination should a laboratory confirmed case be identified outside the already defined chains of transmission.

• 25 health workers in health facilities in the Likati health zone were trained , with UNICEF technical support, on EBV prevention and control to reinforce ongoing response;

• As of today UNICEF has provided hand washing units in the health zone of Likati for the local market of Likati, 7 schools, 12 churches and mosques, the local radio of Bomoko, 11 voter registration centers, 10 health facilities and 2 Ebola Treatment Centers.

• Considering the overall risk for Ebola epidemics in the DRC, UNICEF together with UKAid are part of a discussion with the Ministry of Health (MoH), WHO and USAID on a multi-scenario preparedness planning for Ebola outbreak in the DRC.

• Based on the UNICEF Core Commitments for Children (CCC) and considering the weak healthcare system in Likati health zone, UNICEF is in discussion with the MoH to improve health services in Likati.

• UNICEF has mobilised GBP 580,000 from UKAid to support the WaSH component of the UNICEF response plan. This funding complements UNICEF’s Regular Resources and prepositioned supplies and equipment already deployed to the response.

Epidemiological Overview

As of 4 June 2017 the total number of reported cases has reduced to 8.

All contacts have now completed the 21 day monitoring period. To date, there have been four recorded deaths. Surveillance of suspected cases continues in the affected health areas. Considering the numerous deaths of pigs in the affected health areas, 61 blood samples were taken from pigs in the health areas of Nambwa and Azande for investigation and all were confirmed negative, by the “Institut National de Recherche Biologique” (INRB), for Ebola. The government deployed a team of veterinarians to the health areas of Mouma, Nambwa and Ngayi to continue investigations on the mortality of domestic animals (pigs).