Ebola viruses reach millions of cities in DR Congo

WHO decides today if an international emergency will be called

At present, the Government of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with the help of the World Health Organization (WHO) and other partners, are fighting against the spread of Ebola viruses. More than 40 suspected cases have been reported in the region, and three have been confirmed in the laboratory. The third confirmed case caused a great stir. While the first cases were more likely to occur in remote areas, the youngest came from Mbandaka, the capital of the Équateur province in the northwest of the country. With around 1.2 million inhabitants, Mbandaka is one of the largest cities in the DR Congo.

In laboratory tests of the "Institute National de Recherche Biomédicale" (INRB) was unequivocally determined that it is the dangerous Ebola virus. The first reported cases were reported from the Bikoro health zone, located about 150 kilometers from the capital. If the virus spreads through the city, it could have catastrophic consequences. To make matters worse, the area around Bikoro, where the first health facilities were built, is difficult to access and many roads are impassable due to the current rainy season.

The Ebola viruses reach the megacity Mbandaka in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Can an epidemic be prevented? (Image: Gino Santa Maria / fotolia.com)

The WHO Director-General remains optimistic

"This is a worrying development, but we now have better tools than ever to fight Ebola," says Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, WHO Director-General, in a press release on the current situation. WHO and its partners would take determined action to stop the spread of viruses.

30 experts monitor the city

The WHO uses around 30 experts for monitoring in the capital and works with the Ministry of Health and other partners. The focus is on the prevention of other cases as well as the treatment of acute illnesses and the reporting of new cases.

Worrying development

"The arrival of Ebola in an urban area is very worrying," explains Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa. The search for all contacts of the confirmed case in the area Mbandaka must be driven fast. In special isolation departments, the Ebola patients should be treated and the further spread should be contained. As of 15 May 2018, the WHO reports 44 suspected cases, of which 20 are likely, 21 suspected and 3 laboratory confirmed.

emergency meeting

WHO will hold an emergency meeting today (18 May 2018) to discuss and assess the risk of further spread. The panel will decide if an emergency of international importance will be called. The metropolis of Mbandaka is considered a traffic hub on the Congo, which raises the fear that the virus could spread from here to all surrounding regions and countries.

Compare with previous outbreaks

"The potential for an explosion of cases is now there," warns Peter Salama, WHO Deputy Director General for Emergency Response to BBC News. There is a risk that the virus spreads to the capital of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (Kinshasa, 11 million inhabitants) as well as to neighboring Congo Brazzaville and the Central African Republic. The deadly Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2014 to 2016 has shown that it only came to a critical development when the virus spread in the capitals of Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia. At that time, 11,000 people were killed.

About Ebola

Ebola is a contagious disease that causes internal bleeding and often ends in death. The virus spreads quickly through contact with small amounts of body fluid. Ebola symptoms often start with flu-like symptoms like body aches, headaches, sore throats and high fever. In the further course, those affected suffer from massive diarrhea, nausea and vomiting. In addition, there are the typical internal bleeding, which are triggered by the so-called hemorrhagic fever. In addition, liver and kidney dysfunction may develop with edema, shock and circulatory collapse, cramping and paralysis. Bleeding in the gastrointestinal tract, the spleen and in the lungs can lead to the death of those affected. (Vb)