DR Congo Proclaims End Of Ebola Epidemic
Ebola erupted in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s North Kivu Province 2rd October 2021 has today been declared ended, the national health authorities announced after no new cases were reported at the end of a 42-day countdown, or two incubation periods after the last confirmed case was discharged.
A total number of 11 cases and six deaths were reported in the epidemic that was announced on 8th October after a new case was confirmed in Beni health zone in the country’s North Kivu village. This was the country’s 13th outbreak and occurred in the same area as the 2018 outbreak which lasted two years.
“My warm congratulations to health workers in the health zone of Beni who have suspended their strike movement to cope with this epidemic,” Health Minister Jean-Jacques Mbungani said on Thursday
“During this outbreak, the Democratic Republic of Congo was able to limit widespread infections and save lives. Crucial lessons are being learned and applied with every outbreak experience,” said Matshidiso Moeti, WHO’s Africa director, Matshidiso Moeti
“Stronger disease surveillance, community engagement, targeted vaccination and prompt response are making for more effective Ebola containment in the region,” Moeti said.
