Dear Dames and Knights,
FEMERAID International Team would like to provide reassurance that, in light of the recently reported Ebola virus disease outbreak in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the overall risk for a global pandemic is currently low.
At present, the outbreak, which has so far resulted in approximately 246 suspected cases and 80 presumed deaths in three regions of the DRC, remains geographically confined and is occurring in an area with a longstanding history of recurrent Ebola outbreaks. Since the identification of the Ebola virus disease in 1976, the DRC alone has experienced more than 17 documented outbreaks, most of which were successfully contained locally without significant international spread or operational impact outside the affected areas.
Important:
No cases linked to our operational areas have been identified. No travel or operational restrictions affecting our projects are currently anticipated. The World Health Organization (WHO) and international partners are actively monitoring and containing the outbreak. Historical data show that spillover into other regions or worldwide dissemination from similar outbreaks has remained extremely limited.
Limited spillover cases into nearby regions or countries, such as Uganda and South Sudan, including isolated cases in major urban centres like Kinshasa and Kampala, may occur and are epidemiologically expected during outbreaks of this nature. However, based on previous outbreaks, widespread regional or international transmission remains unlikely.
FEMERAID International team continues to actively monitor the situation in collaboration with local medical teams, international public health alerts, and operational stakeholders. Should the epidemiological situation change significantly, updated guidance and recommendations will be communicated promptly.
As always, standard infection prevention measures remain important: regular hand hygiene, avoiding contact with bodily fluids of symptomatic individuals, and immediate reporting of febrile illness or unexplained symptoms if you are or have been in Central Africa within the last 6 months.
Currently, no additional operational measures beyond routine vigilance are required. Please do not hesitate to contact the FEMERAID International team should you require any additional information or clarification.
Kind regards,
Dr. Nuno Cosmelli
General Secretary