Disease Outbreak News

2003 - Congo

24 March 2003

Description of the situation

24 March 2003

Disease Outbreak Reported

As of 23 March 2003, the Ministry of Health, the Republic of the Congo has reported 123 cases, (13 laboratory-confirmed and 110 epidemiologically linked), including 113 deaths in the districts of Mbomo and Kellé in Cuvette Ouest Département (see previous report). Seventy-nine contacts are being followed-up.

The new team of 3 physicians and 7 nurses from the Ministry of Health and the Service de Santé des Armées was trained in clinical management and safe burial practices last week. A mobile team is visiting each village on the Entsiami-Kelle road weekly, carrying out control activities and surveillance.

Social mobilization activities involving community leaders are also continuing.