DR Congo Celebrates Release of the Last Ebola Patient
The final patient suffering from Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has been discharged from a healthcare facility in the Kasai region. This is a significant milestone in the fight against the deadly virus.
Remarkable Recovery
Out of the 64 confirmed cases since the recent outbreak began, this patient is the 19th to have successfully recovered. If there are no new cases found in the following 42 days, the health officials will be able to officially declare the end of the outbreak.
This achievement has been described as "remarkable" by the African health director. This is especially true considering the outbreak was announced only six weeks earlier. The swift and effective response from the country's health system, along with support from international partners, played a crucial role in this success.
Joyous Celebration as Last Patient Leaves
A video posted on social media shows healthcare workers rejoicing as the last patient leaves the treatment facility in Bulape. The joy and relief are palpable, marking the end of the 16th Ebola outbreak in DRC to date.
The Fight Against Ebola in Kasai Province
The latest outbreak was declared on September 4 when Ebola cases were reported in Bulape and Mweka, two areas in the Kasai province located in the southwest of the country. From then on, health officials reported 53 confirmed and 11 probable cases.
Patients displayed common Ebola symptoms such as high fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and hemorrhaging. Sadly, the virus claimed the lives of 45 people.
Despite the challenges posed by the remote location of Kasai province, it may have contributed to containing the virus. The region's inaccessibility possibly prevented the virus from spreading further.
Preventive Measures and Vaccination Drive
Health teams were dispatched to the region, and a 32-bed treatment center was established, marking the first time such action was taken outside a simulated exercise. In addition, a vigorous vaccination campaign was launched in Bulape, with over 35,000 people receiving the vaccine. No new cases have been reported since September 25.
Ebola: A Recurring Threat
First identified in 1976 during an outbreak in what is now the DRC, Ebola is a serious health threat. Without treatment, it can be fatal in up to 90 percent of cases.
The most significant outbreak in history occurred between 2014 and 2016 in West Africa. This outbreak resulted in 28,600 infections and 11,325 fatalities. The virus also spread to Europe and the United States during this time.