So far 74 patients have recovered from the disease across eastern Congo and Uganda. Experimental treatments like monoclonal antibodies are being developed for Bundibugyo. The outbreak is concentrated in Congo’s eastern province of Ituri, which accounts for more than 90% of the cases. Cases have also been recorded in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces and have spread across the border to Uganda, where 19 confirmed cases have been reported and two people have died. Contact tracing remains an issue due to the area’s
remoteness and ongoing insecurity in Ituri province, Dr. Mankoula said. “For those 800 confirmed cases, we should have between 17,000 to 35,000 contacts that should be in our contact list,” said Mankoula. Currently only around 4,000 contacts have been tracked and are being evaluated, less than 15%. “We are still far from controlling the situation of this outbreak,” said Mankoula.
Ebola, Congo, Ituri, Uganda, contact tracing, monoclonal antibodies, death toll, outbreak
So 40% surge and still only tracking 4,000 contacts? That’s insane.
I don’t get how they let it spread into Uganda if they “tracked” anybody. Like, where are the contact lists at? Seems like the system is broken from the start.
Wait, 74 recovered but it says surge nearly 40% in a week—so it’s getting better and worse at the same time? Also contact tracing only 15%… can’t they just ask the internet? Like everyone has cell phones now.
This is why I hate when they say “experimental” treatments like monoclonal antibodies. Sounds like they’re just trying stuff while the numbers climb. And Ituri and North/South Kivu, isn’t that all basically the same area? Either way, if 19 cases in Uganda and two died then I’m guessing it’s already out of control everywhere.