The number of people with suspected Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the Congolese district of Mweka now stands at 38 people, including 12 people who have already died.
Last week, Médecins Sans Frontières sent a team of expert staff to the area. 16 medics and non-medics are now working around the clock to contain this deadly epidemic.
An ebola isolation unit for suspected cases in Kaluamba. December 2008. Photo by MSF
MSF has built a small isolation unit in Kaluamba, the worst-affected village in Mweka district. To reduce the risk of the virus spreading, patients who are already sick, along with others who are suspected of having Ebola, are separated from the community and cared for. There are currently two patients in this special ward.
MSF has also set up another isolation centre further north in the district, in Kampungu. This centre can host up to 25 patients if the outbreak extends even further.
Ebola is a highly contagious and deadly viral disease. It is transmitted through contact with bodily fluids (blood, vomit, diarrhoea) and, because of the close proximity to patients, both health staff and family members are at serious risk of contracting the disease. To help combat this, MSF has hired and trained a dozen local 'home visitors' to help reduce the spread of the outbreak by identifying and following up those people who have had any contact with the disease. Currently, there are 184 people who must be followed-up.
Another 36 local people travel throughout the communities, ensuring that people are properly informed about the disease and are aware of the health services available to them.