Democratic Republic of Congo – Epidemics (DG ECHO, WHO) (ECHO Daily Flash of 13 December 2019)

Measles: The DRC is facing the world’s most severe measles epidemic with over 250,000 reported cases, including over 5,400 deaths recorded this year. Despite vaccination campaigns and a decrease in vaccinated areas, the resurgence and spread of the epidemic remains of great concern.

Ebola: 3,340 cases have been reported since the outbreak was declared on 1 August 2018, including 2,210 reported deaths. 1,088 Ebola patients have recovered. Violence and attacks, including towards Ebola responders, has had a negative impact on all activities of the response and has paralysed activities in some health zones. The complex dynamics of the outbreak mean an end to the epidemic is not yet in sight.

Bubonic plague: 50 cases of bubonic plague have been reported in Ituri province since January 2019, including 8 deaths. 12 of the 50 cases were identified in November alone.

Cholera: Over 27,000 cases of cholera have been reported this year, with 472 deaths. The DRC is also affected by outbreaks of monkey pox and poliomyelitis.

Malaria: Over 16,000 deaths reported in the DRC since the beginning of the year.