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Congo Was Close to Defeating Ebola. Then One More Case Emerged. Congo Was Close to Defeating Ebola. Then One More Case Emerged.
(about 11 hours later)
NAIROBI, Kenya — Health workers in lime-green scrubs and white gumboots danced, ululated and drummed on buckets in celebration as the woman they hoped would be the last patient treated for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo was released from a treatment center there in early March.NAIROBI, Kenya — Health workers in lime-green scrubs and white gumboots danced, ululated and drummed on buckets in celebration as the woman they hoped would be the last patient treated for Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo was released from a treatment center there in early March.
Their fight to conquer the Ebola epidemic, which had seemed nearly hopeless only one year ago, appeared to be almost over. If the country could just make it to Sunday — the equivalent of two incubation periods — without any more cases emerging, then the world’s second-worst Ebola outbreak in history would officially be declared to have ended.Their fight to conquer the Ebola epidemic, which had seemed nearly hopeless only one year ago, appeared to be almost over. If the country could just make it to Sunday — the equivalent of two incubation periods — without any more cases emerging, then the world’s second-worst Ebola outbreak in history would officially be declared to have ended.
“I hope the disease leaves us forever,” that patient, Semida Masika Muhasu, a vegetable seller who lost a daughter to Ebola, said in a recent phone call from Beni, the city where she was treated in the country’s northeast.“I hope the disease leaves us forever,” that patient, Semida Masika Muhasu, a vegetable seller who lost a daughter to Ebola, said in a recent phone call from Beni, the city where she was treated in the country’s northeast.
But the celebrations are now on hold. On Friday, the World Health Organization announced that a new case of Ebola had been confirmed in Beni, just as health workers had already pivoted to respond to the arrival of the coronavirus in Congo.But the celebrations are now on hold. On Friday, the World Health Organization announced that a new case of Ebola had been confirmed in Beni, just as health workers had already pivoted to respond to the arrival of the coronavirus in Congo.
For now, it’s only one new case. But the setback demonstrates just how hard it is to eradicate a virus. Now, while medical workers push to stop any further resurgence of Ebola, they must also combat a flare-up of the coronavirus in a country that has been wracked for years with instability and violence.For now, it’s only one new case. But the setback demonstrates just how hard it is to eradicate a virus. Now, while medical workers push to stop any further resurgence of Ebola, they must also combat a flare-up of the coronavirus in a country that has been wracked for years with instability and violence.
“This is now a triple emergency,” said Kate Moger, a regional vice president with the International Rescue Committee.“This is now a triple emergency,” said Kate Moger, a regional vice president with the International Rescue Committee.
At best, if the newly discovered Ebola patient is discharged and no new cases emerge, Congo will now have to wait another two incubation periods — or 42 days — until the Ebola epidemic can be declared over.At best, if the newly discovered Ebola patient is discharged and no new cases emerge, Congo will now have to wait another two incubation periods — or 42 days — until the Ebola epidemic can be declared over.
Even with the setback, public health experts say the intensive campaign to defeat Ebola in Congo may offer some lessons for the world as it grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, though the viruses are very different and the coronavirus has spread far more widely.Even with the setback, public health experts say the intensive campaign to defeat Ebola in Congo may offer some lessons for the world as it grapples with the coronavirus pandemic, though the viruses are very different and the coronavirus has spread far more widely.
The response to Ebola has been complicated by some of the same challenges now undermining the battle against Covid-19 elsewhere in the world. There have been feuds between government officials, lack of coordination among responding agencies and mistrust from some community members.The response to Ebola has been complicated by some of the same challenges now undermining the battle against Covid-19 elsewhere in the world. There have been feuds between government officials, lack of coordination among responding agencies and mistrust from some community members.
As the Ebola outbreak raged on for 19 months, new hot spots kept emerging, health care workers continued to die from the disease and tracking the sick to break transmission chains proved extremely difficult.As the Ebola outbreak raged on for 19 months, new hot spots kept emerging, health care workers continued to die from the disease and tracking the sick to break transmission chains proved extremely difficult.
To combat Ebola in Congo, one of the world’s poorest nations, health workers are taking a multifaceted approach.To combat Ebola in Congo, one of the world’s poorest nations, health workers are taking a multifaceted approach.
They have worked to win over communities that were sometimes uncooperative — even hostile.They have worked to win over communities that were sometimes uncooperative — even hostile.
They have drawn on technological innovations, notably a transparent enclosure known as the cube that allows medical workers to reach in and treat patients suffering from the contagious disease through plastic sleeves.They have drawn on technological innovations, notably a transparent enclosure known as the cube that allows medical workers to reach in and treat patients suffering from the contagious disease through plastic sleeves.
And they have used vaccines, developed relatively recently, which have made it possible to limit the spread of the epidemic.And they have used vaccines, developed relatively recently, which have made it possible to limit the spread of the epidemic.
Ebola, transmitted through contact with sick or dead people or animals, causes fever, bleeding, weakness and abdominal pain. Although it is less contagious than the coronavirus, Ebola kills about half of those it infects — a far higher rate than the coronavirus.Ebola, transmitted through contact with sick or dead people or animals, causes fever, bleeding, weakness and abdominal pain. Although it is less contagious than the coronavirus, Ebola kills about half of those it infects — a far higher rate than the coronavirus.
The current Ebola outbreak has infected 3,456 people and killed 2,276, most of them in Congo. It was designated a global health emergency last July, and was the worst Ebola epidemic since the one that began in West Africa in 2014, which ultimately infected 28,616 people and killed more than 11,000.The current Ebola outbreak has infected 3,456 people and killed 2,276, most of them in Congo. It was designated a global health emergency last July, and was the worst Ebola epidemic since the one that began in West Africa in 2014, which ultimately infected 28,616 people and killed more than 11,000.
This time, health care workers faced a new obstacle: the violence afflicting the outbreak area, the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri.This time, health care workers faced a new obstacle: the violence afflicting the outbreak area, the provinces of North Kivu, South Kivu and Ituri.
Militants with armed groups such as the Mai Mai and the Allied Democratic Forces attacked Ebola treatment centers, burned vehicles and buildings, and killed health workers. That prompted humanitarian agencies to evacuate staff members, devastating communities already wracked by dire poverty and mass displacement.Militants with armed groups such as the Mai Mai and the Allied Democratic Forces attacked Ebola treatment centers, burned vehicles and buildings, and killed health workers. That prompted humanitarian agencies to evacuate staff members, devastating communities already wracked by dire poverty and mass displacement.
The World Health Organization recorded 420 attacks on health facilities, resulting in 11 deaths and 86 injuries since the outbreak began. Protests and violence over the country’s 2018 general elections also hindered efforts to combat the spread of the disease.The World Health Organization recorded 420 attacks on health facilities, resulting in 11 deaths and 86 injuries since the outbreak began. Protests and violence over the country’s 2018 general elections also hindered efforts to combat the spread of the disease.
Insecurity was the “key reason why the outbreak carried on for so long,” said Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, W.H.O.’s regional director for Africa.Insecurity was the “key reason why the outbreak carried on for so long,” said Matshidiso Rebecca Moeti, W.H.O.’s regional director for Africa.
Many of the local people learned long ago to be wary of the authorities, and of outsiders in general. Fighting and corruption have scarred Congo for decades, with various sides taking advantage of the anarchy to plunder natural resources.Many of the local people learned long ago to be wary of the authorities, and of outsiders in general. Fighting and corruption have scarred Congo for decades, with various sides taking advantage of the anarchy to plunder natural resources.
Rumors and misinformation about Ebola were rife.Rumors and misinformation about Ebola were rife.
Some said they believed the disease didn’t exist. Others said that it had been imported for financial gain.Some said they believed the disease didn’t exist. Others said that it had been imported for financial gain.
The conspiracy theories, coupled with the violence, thwarted efforts to trace the contacts of those infected, or even just provide vaccinations or treatment, said Trish Newport, who helped coordinate the response by the aid group Doctors Without Borders.The conspiracy theories, coupled with the violence, thwarted efforts to trace the contacts of those infected, or even just provide vaccinations or treatment, said Trish Newport, who helped coordinate the response by the aid group Doctors Without Borders.
It “made you feel the outbreak was never going to finish,” she said.It “made you feel the outbreak was never going to finish,” she said.
Faced with the hostility, many organizations, including the W.H.O., shifted strategy and worked to build trust with local people, Ms. Newport said.Faced with the hostility, many organizations, including the W.H.O., shifted strategy and worked to build trust with local people, Ms. Newport said.
Doctors Without Borders began by building wells, making a point of involving traditional and religious leaders. It also constructed isolation units closer to villages, so that families could visit their loved ones. Over time, health workers saw a “huge reduction” in the number of Ebola cases, Ms. Newport said.Doctors Without Borders began by building wells, making a point of involving traditional and religious leaders. It also constructed isolation units closer to villages, so that families could visit their loved ones. Over time, health workers saw a “huge reduction” in the number of Ebola cases, Ms. Newport said.
The “cube” was also a big trust builder.The “cube” was also a big trust builder.
With transparent walls and integrated plastic sleeves and gloves, the air-conditioned chambers allowed medical teams to tend to Ebola patients without having to put on cumbersome protective gear. The cubes also allowed patients and their family members to see each other without risk of infection.With transparent walls and integrated plastic sleeves and gloves, the air-conditioned chambers allowed medical teams to tend to Ebola patients without having to put on cumbersome protective gear. The cubes also allowed patients and their family members to see each other without risk of infection.
People were afraid of the treatment centers, where so many had died. But the cubes won trust for the health care workers, said Augustin Augier, chief executive of the Alliance for International Medical Action, the nonprofit aid group that developed the chambers.People were afraid of the treatment centers, where so many had died. But the cubes won trust for the health care workers, said Augustin Augier, chief executive of the Alliance for International Medical Action, the nonprofit aid group that developed the chambers.
“We asked the community to come and visit so they could see what was actually happening,” Mr. Augier said.“We asked the community to come and visit so they could see what was actually happening,” Mr. Augier said.
At least 500 patients were fully treated in the cubes, which could be set up in 90 minutes and reused up to 10 times, Mr. Augier, said.At least 500 patients were fully treated in the cubes, which could be set up in 90 minutes and reused up to 10 times, Mr. Augier, said.
But the key factor in curbing the spread of Ebola was the introduction of powerful vaccines and lifesaving antiviral drugs.But the key factor in curbing the spread of Ebola was the introduction of powerful vaccines and lifesaving antiviral drugs.
In early November 2018, the W.H.O. accelerated the licensing and rollout of the injectable Ebola vaccine Ervebo, made by the American pharmaceutical company Merck. Preliminary study results showed a 97.5 percent efficacy rate, prompting Congo, along with Burundi, Ghana and Zambia, to license the vaccine for wider distribution.In early November 2018, the W.H.O. accelerated the licensing and rollout of the injectable Ebola vaccine Ervebo, made by the American pharmaceutical company Merck. Preliminary study results showed a 97.5 percent efficacy rate, prompting Congo, along with Burundi, Ghana and Zambia, to license the vaccine for wider distribution.
Nearly 300,000 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Congo, said Dr. Moeti of the W.H.O.Nearly 300,000 doses of the vaccine have been administered in Congo, said Dr. Moeti of the W.H.O.
Last September, authorities in Congo also started using a second vaccine, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, as a way to extend protection. The vaccine was to be used in places where Ebola was a risk, but not being actively transmitted.Last September, authorities in Congo also started using a second vaccine, manufactured by Johnson & Johnson, as a way to extend protection. The vaccine was to be used in places where Ebola was a risk, but not being actively transmitted.
Updated June 12, 2020 Updated June 16, 2020
The coronavirus emergency relief package gives many American workers paid leave if they need to take time off because of the virus. It gives qualified workers two weeks of paid sick leave if they are ill, quarantined or seeking diagnosis or preventive care for coronavirus, or if they are caring for sick family members. It gives 12 weeks of paid leave to people caring for children whose schools are closed or whose child care provider is unavailable because of the coronavirus. It is the first time the United States has had widespread federally mandated paid leave, and includes people who don’t typically get such benefits, like part-time and gig economy workers. But the measure excludes at least half of private-sector workers, including those at the country’s largest employers, and gives small employers significant leeway to deny leave.
So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.So far, the evidence seems to show it does. A widely cited paper published in April suggests that people are most infectious about two days before the onset of coronavirus symptoms and estimated that 44 percent of new infections were a result of transmission from people who were not yet showing symptoms. Recently, a top expert at the World Health Organization stated that transmission of the coronavirus by people who did not have symptoms was “very rare,” but she later walked back that statement.
Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.Touching contaminated objects and then infecting ourselves with the germs is not typically how the virus spreads. But it can happen. A number of studies of flu, rhinovirus, coronavirus and other microbes have shown that respiratory illnesses, including the new coronavirus, can spread by touching contaminated surfaces, particularly in places like day care centers, offices and hospitals. But a long chain of events has to happen for the disease to spread that way. The best way to protect yourself from coronavirus — whether it’s surface transmission or close human contact — is still social distancing, washing your hands, not touching your face and wearing masks.
A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.A study by European scientists is the first to document a strong statistical link between genetic variations and Covid-19, the illness caused by the coronavirus. Having Type A blood was linked to a 50 percent increase in the likelihood that a patient would need to get oxygen or to go on a ventilator, according to the new study.
The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.The unemployment rate fell to 13.3 percent in May, the Labor Department said on June 5, an unexpected improvement in the nation’s job market as hiring rebounded faster than economists expected. Economists had forecast the unemployment rate to increase to as much as 20 percent, after it hit 14.7 percent in April, which was the highest since the government began keeping official statistics after World War II. But the unemployment rate dipped instead, with employers adding 2.5 million jobs, after more than 20 million jobs were lost in April.
Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.Mass protests against police brutality that have brought thousands of people onto the streets in cities across America are raising the specter of new coronavirus outbreaks, prompting political leaders, physicians and public health experts to warn that the crowds could cause a surge in cases. While many political leaders affirmed the right of protesters to express themselves, they urged the demonstrators to wear face masks and maintain social distancing, both to protect themselves and to prevent further community spread of the virus. Some infectious disease experts were reassured by the fact that the protests were held outdoors, saying the open air settings could mitigate the risk of transmission.
Exercise researchers and physicians have some blunt advice for those of us aiming to return to regular exercise now: Start slowly and then rev up your workouts, also slowly. American adults tended to be about 12 percent less active after the stay-at-home mandates began in March than they were in January. But there are steps you can take to ease your way back into regular exercise safely. First, “start at no more than 50 percent of the exercise you were doing before Covid,” says Dr. Monica Rho, the chief of musculoskeletal medicine at the Shirley Ryan AbilityLab in Chicago. Thread in some preparatory squats, too, she advises. “When you haven’t been exercising, you lose muscle mass.” Expect some muscle twinges after these preliminary, post-lockdown sessions, especially a day or two later. But sudden or increasing pain during exercise is a clarion call to stop and return home.
States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.States are reopening bit by bit. This means that more public spaces are available for use and more and more businesses are being allowed to open again. The federal government is largely leaving the decision up to states, and some state leaders are leaving the decision up to local authorities. Even if you aren’t being told to stay at home, it’s still a good idea to limit trips outside and your interaction with other people.
Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.Common symptoms include fever, a dry cough, fatigue and difficulty breathing or shortness of breath. Some of these symptoms overlap with those of the flu, making detection difficult, but runny noses and stuffy sinuses are less common. The C.D.C. has also added chills, muscle pain, sore throat, headache and a new loss of the sense of taste or smell as symptoms to look out for. Most people fall ill five to seven days after exposure, but symptoms may appear in as few as two days or as many as 14 days.
If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)If air travel is unavoidable, there are some steps you can take to protect yourself. Most important: Wash your hands often, and stop touching your face. If possible, choose a window seat. A study from Emory University found that during flu season, the safest place to sit on a plane is by a window, as people sitting in window seats had less contact with potentially sick people. Disinfect hard surfaces. When you get to your seat and your hands are clean, use disinfecting wipes to clean the hard surfaces at your seat like the head and arm rest, the seatbelt buckle, the remote, screen, seat back pocket and the tray table. If the seat is hard and nonporous or leather or pleather, you can wipe that down, too. (Using wipes on upholstered seats could lead to a wet seat and spreading of germs rather than killing them.)
Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.Taking one’s temperature to look for signs of fever is not as easy as it sounds, as “normal” temperature numbers can vary, but generally, keep an eye out for a temperature of 100.5 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. If you don’t have a thermometer (they can be pricey these days), there are other ways to figure out if you have a fever, or are at risk of Covid-19 complications.
The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.The C.D.C. has recommended that all Americans wear cloth masks if they go out in public. This is a shift in federal guidance reflecting new concerns that the coronavirus is being spread by infected people who have no symptoms. Until now, the C.D.C., like the W.H.O., has advised that ordinary people don’t need to wear masks unless they are sick and coughing. Part of the reason was to preserve medical-grade masks for health care workers who desperately need them at a time when they are in continuously short supply. Masks don’t replace hand washing and social distancing.
If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.If you’ve been exposed to the coronavirus or think you have, and have a fever or symptoms like a cough or difficulty breathing, call a doctor. They should give you advice on whether you should be tested, how to get tested, and how to seek medical treatment without potentially infecting or exposing others.
If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.If you’re sick and you think you’ve been exposed to the new coronavirus, the C.D.C. recommends that you call your healthcare provider and explain your symptoms and fears. They will decide if you need to be tested. Keep in mind that there’s a chance — because of a lack of testing kits or because you’re asymptomatic, for instance — you won’t be able to get tested.
“Producing the vaccines and rolling them out under extremely trying conditions was one of the things that was done well in the Congo outbreak,” said Robert F. Garry Jr., co-director of the Center for Viral Systems Biology at Tulane University. “It was a major breakthrough.”“Producing the vaccines and rolling them out under extremely trying conditions was one of the things that was done well in the Congo outbreak,” said Robert F. Garry Jr., co-director of the Center for Viral Systems Biology at Tulane University. “It was a major breakthrough.”
But the new treatments, lauded as a turning point in the decades-long fight against Ebola, were not without controversy.But the new treatments, lauded as a turning point in the decades-long fight against Ebola, were not without controversy.
Organizations like Doctors Without Borders accused W.H.O. of “rationing” and “restricting” their availability.Organizations like Doctors Without Borders accused W.H.O. of “rationing” and “restricting” their availability.
And Congo’s former health minister, Oly Ilunga Kalenga, opposed the introduction of the second vaccine, saying it was bound to confuse the populace because the doses were administered in two rounds almost two months apart.And Congo’s former health minister, Oly Ilunga Kalenga, opposed the introduction of the second vaccine, saying it was bound to confuse the populace because the doses were administered in two rounds almost two months apart.
Dr. Kalenga resigned last July, after clashing with President Félix Tshisekedi over the management of the Ebola response, and was arrested in September, accused of mismanaging Ebola funding.Dr. Kalenga resigned last July, after clashing with President Félix Tshisekedi over the management of the Ebola response, and was arrested in September, accused of mismanaging Ebola funding.
The Ebola virus is a stubborn foe; it can persist in the body fluids of survivors and be transmitted well after recovery. And the disease could also show up in areas that are not being monitored because of security issues.The Ebola virus is a stubborn foe; it can persist in the body fluids of survivors and be transmitted well after recovery. And the disease could also show up in areas that are not being monitored because of security issues.
And then there is the mounting threat from the coronavirus pandemic.And then there is the mounting threat from the coronavirus pandemic.
A drain on resources caused by the coronavirus may put the battle against Ebola at risk. The W.H.O. says it is facing a funding gap of $20 million, and might not be able to tackle new Ebola flare-ups rapidly.A drain on resources caused by the coronavirus may put the battle against Ebola at risk. The W.H.O. says it is facing a funding gap of $20 million, and might not be able to tackle new Ebola flare-ups rapidly.
In March, the U.N.’s children agency said the Ebola response had already sapped the ability of Congo’s battered health care system to deal with other endemic diseases, including malaria, cholera and measles. Since 2019, the agency said, measles has infected 332,000 Congolese and killed 6,200 people, around 85 percent of whom were children under 5.In March, the U.N.’s children agency said the Ebola response had already sapped the ability of Congo’s battered health care system to deal with other endemic diseases, including malaria, cholera and measles. Since 2019, the agency said, measles has infected 332,000 Congolese and killed 6,200 people, around 85 percent of whom were children under 5.
Dr. Moeti said some of the strategies used to tackle Ebola — partnering with the government, mobilizing communities, setting up laboratories and surveillance methods, encouraging hygiene — would be useful in fighting the coronavirus in Congo. So far, the country has 215 confirmed coronavirus cases and 20 deaths, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.Dr. Moeti said some of the strategies used to tackle Ebola — partnering with the government, mobilizing communities, setting up laboratories and surveillance methods, encouraging hygiene — would be useful in fighting the coronavirus in Congo. So far, the country has 215 confirmed coronavirus cases and 20 deaths, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
But as the outbreak grows, some experts worry that resources will be spread too thin.But as the outbreak grows, some experts worry that resources will be spread too thin.
“Tapping into the finite international pool of human and financial resources will be hard,” said Daniel Bausch, director of Britain’s Public Health Rapid Support Team, who helped fight West Africa’s Ebola outbreak.“Tapping into the finite international pool of human and financial resources will be hard,” said Daniel Bausch, director of Britain’s Public Health Rapid Support Team, who helped fight West Africa’s Ebola outbreak.
Already, Dr. Bausch said, some specialists that his group had called on to respond to Covid-19 overseas have declined.Already, Dr. Bausch said, some specialists that his group had called on to respond to Covid-19 overseas have declined.
“The days ahead for Congo may be very difficult,” he said.“The days ahead for Congo may be very difficult,” he said.