Epidemiological Trends of Ebola in DRC - Lab Report Example

There have been more than 929 cases of Ebola virus disease that have been confirmed in Congo since 1976 (Stimola, 2011).

Out of the 6 outbreaks, 5 of them were caused by the Zaïre ebolavirus; which originated in a town called Yambuku in 1976 (88% mortality rate, 318 cases). In 1977, there was 1 fatal case in Tandala, in Equator province. In 1995, in Bandundu province, there were additional cases in Vanga, Fashi, Mosango, Yassa Bonga, Bulungu, Gungu, Imbongo, Idiofa nad Mukala (CFR of 81%, 315 cases). In 2007, Notified by WHO, there were 264 cases (CFR of 71%) and in 2008 there were 32 cases (CFR of 44%), both reported in Kasai Oriental province. In 2012, an outbreak that was caused by Bundibugyo ebolavirus occurred in eastern Congo, Orientale province (CFR of 51%, 57 cases). The overall Case Fatality Rate has been 79%, with a total of 736 fatal cases.

When compared to the current outbreak in West African countries, the risk of exposure to the Ebola virus in healthcare settings in Congo is low since the outbreak in Equator province is still limited in geographical spread and size. Nonetheless, the risk involved in the actual transmission is dependent on the use of proper infection control measures in every health facility. DRC residents have a life expectancy of 0.94. The EU citizens who provide health care in the affected region are at a higher risk of exposure to this virus. Individually, there is a higher risk of transmission via unprotected sexual activity with a partner who is still recovering from Ebola. If the proposed standard infection control measures are strictly followed, transmission can be effectively controlled and prevented in return.

Lately, the outbreak of Ebola has been evolving in the Equateur province of the DRC since the start of August 2014. Asoft 9th October, 71 confirmed and reported cases have been identified in Congo; with 15 suspected, 26 probable, 30 confirmed of Ebola virus disease, inclusive of eight health care workers (CFR of 43.8%). This shows how the epidemiological features of the Ebola outbreak are consistent with past outbreaks. Read More