Disease outbreak reported: Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the Republic of the Congo - Update 6

As of 27 February 2003, a total of 5 laboratory-confirmed and 92 probable cases, including 80 deaths, from Ebola haemorrhagic fever, has been reported in the districts of Mbomo and Kellé in Cuvette Ouest Region (see previous report ).
The Congolese government has sent food for the communities in these districts. The Ministry of Health, WHO and the international team from the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network are training local health workers in clinical management of the disease; carrying out active case finding and contact tracing; and providing protective clothing and essential medical equipment. They are also developing public health education messages about Ebola with local leaders through the local radio and print media, and, with volunteeers from the national Red Cross Society, working to increase community awareness and understanding of Ebola.