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Over the past couple of weeks two new Ebola outbreaks - separated by a distance of more than 4,000 km, have erupted in Africa. The first outbreak was reported on Feb. 7th in the DRC (see WHO Statement & Risk Assessment On New Ebola Outbreak In The DRC), while the second outbreak was announced ten days ago by WHO AFRO (see New Ebola outbreak declared in Guinea).
Yesterday the ECDC published risks assessments for each outbreak (excerpts below).
While everyone remembers the horrific 2-year epidemic that began in 2014 in West Africa, and that eventually claimed over 11,000 lives - with the advent of licensed and effective vaccines - we are in a much better position today to deal with outbreaks
First stop, the executive summary and risk assessment for the DRC outbreak.
Ebola virus disease outbreak in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2021
Risk assessment
22 Feb 2021
On 7 February 2021, an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak was declared by the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in the North Kivu province in the eastern part of the country.
Executive summary
On 7 February 2021, an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak was declared by the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), in the North Kivu province in the eastern part of the country. As of 18 February 2021, four confirmed cases of EVD, including two deaths, have been reported in the Biena and Katwa health zones. The first known case of EVD of this current outbreak died on 4 February. Laboratory testing confirmed infection with Ebola virus. North Kivu Provincial health authorities are currently leading the response, supported by the World Health Organization (WHO) and the DRC Ministry of Health. So far more than 300 contacts have been identified and a vaccination campaign was started on 15 February 2021.
These EVD cases are the first cases of the disease reported in North Kivu, DRC, since the tenth outbreak was declared over in June 2020. The ongoing outbreak may spread to other areas within DRC and/or in neighbouring countries.
Risk assessed
Overall, the current risk for European Union/European Economic Area EU/EEA citizens living in or travelling to affected areas in DRC is considered low, as while disease in unvaccinated people is severe and most EU/EEA citizens are not commonly vaccinated against the disease, there is a very low likelihood of infection of EU/EEA citizens in the DRC. The current risk for citizens in the EU/EEA is considered very low, as the likelihood of introduction and secondary transmission within the EU/EEA is very low.
Options for response
EU/EEA visitors and residents in affected areas in DRC should apply the following precautionary measures:Significant developments for the prevention of EVD have been made, with two vaccines (Ervebo and Zabdeno/Mvabea) now licensed for use in several countries, including in the EU. DRC has approved the Ervebo vaccine.
- avoid contact with symptomatic patients/their bodily fluids, and bodies and/or bodily fluids from deceased patients;
- avoid consumption of bush meat and contact with wild animals, both alive and dead;
- wash and peel fruit and vegetables before consumption;
- wash hands regularly using soap or antiseptics;
- ensure safe sexual practices.
Screening of travellers returning from DRC is not justified at this stage.
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Ebola virus disease outbreak in North Kivu, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 2021 - EN - [PDF-320.02 KB]
Ebola virus disease outbreak in Guinea, 2021
Risk assessment
22 Feb 2021
On 14 February 2021, national authorities declared an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the rural area of Gouéké in Nzérékoré region, Guinea. As of 18 February 2021, seven EVD cases (three confirmed and four probable) have been identified, including five deaths.
Executive summary
On 14 February 2021, national authorities declared an Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak in the rural area of Gouéké in Nzérékoré region, Guinea. As of 18 February 2021, seven EVD cases (three confirmed and four probable) have been identified, including five deaths. The first case died on 28 January 2021. Response measures have been initiated and the World Health Organization is supporting the country to procure EVD vaccine doses, as well as therapeutics, reagents and personal protective equipment. Neighbouring countries have initiated response plans. So far, no neighbouring countries have reported confirmed cases.
These are the first EVD cases reported in Guinea since the large outbreak that occurred in West Africa between 2013 and 2016. This ongoing outbreak may increase in size and spread to other areas within Guinea and/or to neighbouring countries.
Risk assessed
Overall, the current risk for European Union/European Economic Area (EU/EEA) citizens living in or travelling to affected areas in Guinea is considered low, as while disease in unvaccinated people is severe and most EU/EEA citizens are not commonly vaccinated against the disease there is a very low likelihood of infection of EU/EEA citizens in Guinea. The current risk for citizens in the EU/EEA is considered very low, as the likelihood of introduction and secondary transmission within the EU/EEA is very low.
Options for response
EU/EEA visitors and residents in Guinea should apply the following precautionary measures:Significant developments for the prevention of EVD have been made, with two vaccines (Ervebo and Zabdeno/Mvabea) now licensed for use in several countries, including in the EU. Guinea has approved the Ervebo vaccine.
- Avoid contact with symptomatic patients/their bodily fluids, and bodies and/or bodily fluids from deceased patients;
- Avoid the consumption of bush meat and contact with wild animals, both alive and dead;
- Wash and peel fruit and vegetables before consumption;
- Wash hands regularly using soap or antiseptics;
- Ensure safe sexual practices.
Screening of travellers returning from Guinea is not justified at this stage.
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Ebola virus disease outbreak in Guinea, 2021 - EN - [PDF-707.28 KB]
