Officials in the Democratic Republic of Congo are just two days away from declaring the outbreak of Ebola in that country over.
But that declaration would not happen after the country reported of a new case of outbreak, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
The director general of the WHO, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus told journalists on Friday that “Today I convened a meeting of the Emergency Committee on Ebola in DRC.
After 52 days without a case, surveillance and response teams on the ground have confirmed a new case of Ebola in DRC. We have been preparing for and expecting more cases.”
According to Dr. Ghebreyesus “Unfortunately, this means the government of DRC will not be able to declare an end to the Ebola outbreak on Monday, as hoped.”
“But WHO remains on the ground & committed as ever to working with the government, affected communities & our partners to end the outbreak,” Tedros added.
“Today I convened a meeting of the Emergency Committee on #Ebola in #DRC. After 52 days without a case, surveillance and response teams on the ground have confirmed a new case of Ebola in DRC. We have been preparing for and expecting more cases”-@DrTedros
— World Health Organization (WHO) (@WHO) April 10, 2020
Hopes dashed
In March, Health workers were in joyous mood after the last Ebola patient in the country was discharged from a treatment centre.
The patient had been in isolation at a treatment centre in the eastern city of Beni but was discharged after making full recovery.
The WHO directorate in Africa was hopeful that this could be the end of the current outbreak.
The director of the WHO Africa directorate, Dr Matshidiso Moeti said “I am sad to hear about a new Ebola case in northeastern DRC. @WHO is on the ground supporting the investigation and will continue to work side by side with the Ministry of Health to end Ebola.”
I am sad to hear about a new #Ebola case in northeastern #DRC. @WHO is on the ground supporting the investigation and will continue to work side by side with the Ministry of Health to end Ebola. pic.twitter.com/0tailaqdxR
— Dr Matshidiso Moeti (@MoetiTshidi) April 10, 2020
More than 3,400 people have been infected and 2,200 have died in the DR Congo since the previous outbreak was announced almost two years ago.
DR Congo is now fighting the outbreak of Coronavirus, Ebola and measles, all deadly infections.
Source: Africafeeds.com
