Ebola outbreak in DRC sees over 80% of new cases outside known contacts
6 reported3 unconfirmed
Health officials report they do not have a good handle on the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to an NPR report. Over 1,000 people have died and more than 2,400 have been sickened just over two months into the outbreak, with daily case counts showing no signs of slowing. More than 80% of new cases are appearing outside of known contacts, which infectious disease physician Nahid Bhadelia called an alarm bell indicating contact tracing is not keeping up. The outbreak is centered in a region with transient workers and ongoing conflict, making it difficult to track all contacts. The World Health Organization announced that 21,000 community workers are being trained to help. Roughly two-thirds of deaths are occurring outside the health system, according to WHO, and many people with symptoms are seeking care from traditional healers or staying home due to stigma and mistrust. Clinical trials for treatments and a drug that could protect exposed people have started, but access remains limited.
What’s reported
Over 1,000 people have died and more than 2,400 have been sickened just over two months into the outbreak.
More than 80% of new cases are popping up outside of known contacts.
The outbreak is in a region with transient workers and ongoing conflict.
WHO announced 21,000 community workers are being trained.
Roughly two-thirds of deaths occur outside the health system, according to WHO.
Clinical trials for treatments and a drug that could protect exposed people have started.
Open questions
The exact number of undetected cases in the community.
How quickly the 21,000 community workers will be deployed and their impact.
Whether the clinical trials will attract more people to seek care.
Key figures
Armand Sprecher, infectious diseases physician with Doctors Without Borders
Nahid Bhadelia, infectious disease physician at Boston University
Boghuma Titanji, infectious disease physician at Emory University
Sources: NPR
