Description of the situation
19 June 2002
\nDisease Outbreak Reported
The epidemiological
pattern of this cluster and the clinical signs of the suspected cases were consistent with
the previous outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever in
the area, but since no samples have been collected, there has been no laboratory
confirmation.
A three-person team from the Congolese Ministry of Health and WHO that is
currently investigating 6 suspected cases including 5 deaths of acute haemorrhagic fever
syndrome in Mbomo district, Cuvette Ouest region (see previous
report), have traced 40 human contacts of the 6 suspected cases. No new cases have been reported
since the last death on 6 June. The investigation has been hampered by the lack of
community cooperation and increased emphasis will be placed on social mobilization
activities.