#HealthNews : Congo Ebola outbreak: 78 cases, 44 deaths, 10 health workers infected


Congo Ebola outbreak: 78 cases, 44 deaths, 10 health workers infected

There have been 78 cases of Ebola reported in the current outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo as of Wednesday, the World Health Organization said Friday.
Of those cases, 51 are confirmed, and 27 are probable. This includes 44 deaths.
The reported cases are in five health zones in North Kivu and one health zone in Ituri, but all of the cases are linked to the "outbreak epi-center" in Mangina, the agency said 
                          Wikistrike 
In addition, 10 health care workers have become infected with the disease. Nine of those cases are confirmed, and the one probable case is a worker who died.
"These health care workers were likely exposed in clinics, not Ebola treatment centres (ETCs), many of which may have been infected before the declaration of the outbreak," according to a statement from WHO.
The agency is working to "increase awareness of Ebola among health care and other frontline workers, and to strengthen infection prevention and control (IPC) measures."
The affected provinces share a border with Uganda and Rwanda and are densely populated. Ongoing conflict and violence in the area pose security concerns for those working to contain the outbreak.
This is the 10th outbreak in Congo, where the virus is endemic.
This outbreak is now bigger than the previous outbreak in Equateur province that was declared over July 24. During that outbreak, 53 cases were reported, including 29 deaths, according to Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, director-general of WHO. Health officials said last week that the two outbreaks are not related.
The viral hemorrhagic fever is transmitted from person to person by infected bodily fluids such as blood, saliva, feces and breast milk. It is highly infectious but not highly contagious.
Vaccination has begun in North Kivu province among health care workers and some residents.

CNN

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

#Education: LAUTECH Upgrades Nursing Department to Faculty of Nursing Sciences

Image
Nigeria - The growth of nursing profession in Nigeria is considered "slow as snail" yet its moving up the ladder. Nursing is one of the fastest growing profession in the world. Another giant stride for nursing profession in Nigeria has been achieved. Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH) Ogbomoso, Oyo State recently upgraded its Nursing Department to a full fledged Faculty of Nursing. This is the first faculty of Nursing in a State University in Nigeria. Professor B.L. Ajibade, has been confirmed the Acting Dean of Faculty of Nursing, LAUTECH. He's an erudite scholar, a seasoned administrator, a loving mentor, a professional nurse per excellence, an experienced academician, and a dynamic nursing achiever. Adams Health Blog wishes Professor a successful tenure in sound health and admonishes never relent in efforts until nursing of desired is attained. Congratulations Professor B.L. Ajibade Congratulations Nursing Community LAUTECH Congratulati...
Read more

Say No To Tobacco - WHO

Image
Today is World No Tobacco Day. Facts: Tobacco KILLS 1 person every 4 seconds ? There are much greater things in life to take your breath away!  "Say #NoTobacco! 🚭" Fact: Tobacco KILLS 8 million people each year. This includes 1 MILLION deaths from second-hand smoking exposure. Today and every day, don't let tobacco take your breath away! Fact: Tobacco smokers are up to 22 times more likely to develop lung cancer in their lifetime, compared to non-smokers. Fact: 1 in 5 tobacco smokers will develop chronic bronchitis and/or emphysema in their lifetime, resulting in agonizing breathing difficulties. Fact:  Children who breathe second-hand smoke are more likely to develop #asthma and experience frequent and more severe asthma attacks. Fact: Exposure to tobacco smoking impacts greatly on the lung health of people around the world, including: 1. Lung cancer 2. Chronic respiratory disease 3. Across the life-course 4. Tuberculosis 5. Air pollution Fact: ...
Read more