Ebola Haemorrhagic Fever in the Republic of the Congo - Update

Updated: December 12, 2003

Health Canada is closely monitoring a confirmed outbreak of Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the northwest region of the Republic of the Congo in the district of Mbomo and Mbandza in the Cuvette Ouest Département. Since earlier reports, eleven new cases have been reported, making a total of 31 probable cases, including 29 deaths, caused by the outbreak.

The World Health Organization has dispatched the West Africa sub-regional epidemic response team to the region and is currently working with the Ministry of Health of the Congo and Doctors Without Borders to control the outbreak. They are supporting case management, monitoring the situation and carrying out social mobilization activities with communities in the region.

A National Control Committee to contain the outbreak has been established in Brazzaville between the Ministry of Health, WHO and other international partners.

Source: World Health Organization

Recommendation

Health Canada strongly recommends that Canadian travellers to Africa seek an individual risk assessment consultation with their personal physician or a travel clinic prior to departure.

For more information on the ebola virus, visit our disease information page on Ebola haemorrhagic fever.