WHO reaffirms fears of Ébola transmission through dead monkeys

1/6/09 12:35 PM

Luanda – The World Health Organisation (WHO) representative to Angola, Diosdado Nsue-Micawg, Monday in Luanda, reaffirmed the fears that the handling of dead monkeys found in the forest might be behind the upsurge in the Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the western Kassi province of the Democratic Republic of Congo.

According to the official, the source of virus is so far unknown, but it is feared that hunters and women who visit the forest might have been in contact with infected monkeys.

The WHO representative said as well that his organisation has assisted Angolan Health Ministry (MINSA) with the distribution of specific information and instructions to the provinces exposed to the risk, aimed at revitalising and reorganising the alert and prevention system.

The WHO has taken the commitment to providing regular information on the epidemic in the DRC, supporting the rapid evaluation teams in the border districts of the provinces of Lunda Norte, Lunda Sul, Moxico, Malanje and Uíge.

The UN health body will also provide reinforcement to epidemiological surveillance at border regions and carry out active search for suspect cases in places of high population density, as well as marshal additional partners and resources.

The distribution of essential drugs, materials and manuals for education, communication and information on health in selected districts, as well as the approval and implementation of the plan of contingency, including the inventory of existing resources and draft budget for the emergency, are some of WHO responsibilities.

Diosdado Nsue-Micawg said his organisation will also help with the drafting and implementing of an emergency action plan, gathering of information on support health networks and logistics, with a view to an effective handling of eventual outbreaks of Ebola in the country.

Ebola outbreaks have been recorded in DRC since 1976, which has so far killed 280 people, of 318 cases reported. The latest outbreak occurred in September 2007, with 249 notified and 183 deaths.
hat-tip Shiloh