Central Africa
Ebola spreading in Central Africa

afrol News, 13 February - Over 60 cases of probable Ebola infection are now registered in the Republic of Congo (Brazzaville). These include 48 deaths, a fact that is strengthening the suspicion of an Ebola outbreak. Neighbouring Gabon is on high alert, fearing a possible spread.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is still no proof that the wave of infections and deaths that is creating fear in Central Congo Brazzaville is due to an Ebola outbreak - but it is seen as probable. There have been registered 61 cases of possible Ebola, out of which 48 persons have already died. 

The outbreak is defined to the isolated Congolese districts of Kellé and Mbomo, in the north-western part of the country. The area is localised in dense rain forests, connected to the outside world only by a few dirt roads which can only be used by solid four-wheel drive vehicles in the dry season. Kellé however has a small air strip. 

According to the WHO, the local Red Cross has already sent out voluntary health workers to the affected region to assist locals and engage in information campaigns. Health worker often put their own lives at risk during Ebola outbreaks. It is further informed that Gabonese and Congolese authorities are cooperating to map and limit the probable outbreak. 

Gabonese health authorities report that, so far, there have not been registered cases of suspected Ebola cases on their side of the border. The lack of road connections between Gabon and these remote Congolese districts diminish the chances of the epidemic to spread over the border. On the other side, it is totally impossible to seal off the long and unmarked border. 

Gabon and Congo Brazzaville only experienced an outbreak of the lethal Ebola virus one year ago. The 2002 outbreak had its epicentre on the Gabonese side of the border, but also caused deaths in the same Congolese districts that now are affected. Over 50 persons died as consequence of last year's Ebola outbreak. 

There is no specific treatment or vaccine for the disease, which is often characterized by the sudden onset of fever, weakness, muscle pain, headache and sore throat. This is followed by vomiting, diarrhoea, rash, limited kidney and liver functions, and both internal and external bleeding. 

The virus, which was first discovered in the 1970s, has two different strains, characterised by their different mortality rates. The South Sudan strain usually hits in East Africa, has a mortality rate of around 50 percent but is the most contagious. The so-called Zaire strain of the virus is the most lethal, with a mortality rate of 70-90%. This is however somewhat less contagious, meaning that outbreaks burn out quicker and totally leave a lower death toll. 

During the last years, it has also been shown that the response to an Ebola outbreak is decisive to control the death toll. Quick and massive actions from authorities and international health workers may hinder an uncontrolled spread of the outbreak, while an adequate health care and extra nutrition of the infected may decrease mortality.

It is suspected that the current suspected Ebola outbreak in Congo Brazzaville has been caused by the consumption of Ebola infected bush meat. It is known that certain species of monkeys live with the Ebola virus, and that this may spread to humans if bush meat is not treated with sufficient caution. 

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