Description of the situation
19 February 1996
Disease Outbreak Reported
Investigation of specimens from nine patients hospitalized in Makokou have confirmed the diagnosis of Ebola haemorrhagic fever by isolation of the Ebola virus. The laboratory investigations were done at the Centre International de Recherches Médicales de Franceville in Gabon and the WHO Collaborating Centre in the Institute Pasteur in Paris. As of 19 February, 20 cases have been identified of which 13 have died. Additional suspect cases are being investigated.
On 13 February 1996, WHO was informed by the Ministry of Health, Gabon of an outbreak of febrile gastroenteritis with ten deaths among 19 cases which occurred at Mayibout in the north west part of Gabon. The Ministry set up a joint mission with the Centre des Recherches Médicales de Franceville and requested assistance from WHO. A team from WHO has now joined the mission, which will carry out a full investigation of the outbreak and advise on necessary control measure to be taken.