Description of the situation
02 January 2002
Disease Outbreak Reported
As of 1 January, 2002, 32 confirmed cases (15 laboratory and 17 epidemiologically linked) have been reported; 20 cases have been detected in Gabon and 12 in the neighbouring villages of the Republic of Congo (see map below). Among the 32 confirmed cases, there have been 23 deaths, 17 in Gabon and 6 in the Republic of Congo. An additional 7 suspected cases in Gabon and 2 suspected cases in the Republic of Congo are under investigation.
All contacts (having direct or suspected contact with the blood or other body fluids of a case) are being closely monitored for signs or symptoms of Ebola haemorrhagic fever for 21 days. As of 1 January, 2002, 191 contacts are under active follow up; 96 contacts are being followed up in Gabon and 95 in the Republic of Congo. We anticipate one or more cases may develop among these contacts.
The international team is operational on both sides of the border and is working closely in the field with the teams from the Congolese and Gabonese Ministries of Health on outbreak control interventions.