A new outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) was declared on 08 May 2018 by the Government of Democratic Republic of Congo after two samples tested positive for EVD in Bikoro, Equateur Province.
Following the notification from the provincial health authorities on 03 May 2018, the Ministry of Health, with the support of African and international partners, deployed teams of experts to the affected province and localities to investigate and verify the outbreak. The Ministry of Health is currently establishing coordination mechanisms to mount an effective outbreak response. The latest report from the Ministry of Health, as of 08 May 2018, indicates a total of 21 suspected hemorrhagic cases with 17 related deaths. Two laboratory confirmed cases of EVD were also reported from the Equator provincial health zone.
In response to this new Ebola Virus Disease outbreak, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has: a) activated its Emergency Operation Center (EOC) to support national outbreak response efforts; b) mobilized its Epidemic Response Team (ERT) for imminent deployment – the team is comprised of experts with previous experience in responding to the EVD outbreaks in West Africa in 2014 and Democratic Republic of Congo in 2017; c) set aside USD 250,000 for outbreak response activities whilst more resources are being mobilized. The African Union Commission has been informed of the outbreak and is ready to offer comprehensive support of all AU organs to the response.
Africa CDC recognizes the vast experience and leadership role of the Government of Democratic Republic of Congo in dealing with previous EVD outbreaks. Africa CDC will facilitate a comprehensive and well-coordinated response involving all partners and stakeholders in mitigating this new EVD outbreak.
