Ebola outbreak in Congo is still serious, African health body says
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains a serious public health concern, with data pointing to persistent gaps in infection prevention and control measures, Africa’s leading public health agency has warned.
Although Congo’s Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba reported “encouraging signs” in the country’s response, saying transmission had been gradually declining since a peak in mid-August, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said the outbreak had not yet been brought under control.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said data showing a modest decline in cases over the previous two weeks did not provide enough evidence to conclude that the outbreak had reached its peak.
The agency’s Emergency Consultative Group said the available data could not confirm that the peak had been reached, noting that transmission remained inconsistent across affected areas.
Mr Kaseya, however, welcomed the decline in infections recorded in Ituri Province in eastern Congo.
He explained that statements by health authorities suggesting the peak had passed were based on incomplete information. According to him, a sustained reduction in cases would be needed before such a conclusion could be reached.
“We are still committed to support the government, and I want to congratulate [it] for the progress made so far. We saw a decrease in some areas, but we say the situation is still serious,” Kaseya told reporters.
Source: Reuters
About The Author
