More than 1,800 individuals have been vaccinated in a marketing campaign that kicked off simply 5 days after the primary case was detected.
The outbreak marks the primary time the recently-licensed ERVEBO vaccine in opposition to Ebola was used within the nation. ERVEBO is similar because the compassionate-use vaccine, however as a licensed vaccine, rollout is much less cumbersome operationally.
“Stronger disease surveillance, community engagement, targeted vaccination and prompt response are making for more effective Ebola containment in the region,” stated Dr Matshidiso Moeti, World Health Organization (WHO) Regional Director for Africa, in an announcement.
“During this outbreak, the Democratic Republic of Congo was able to limit widespread infections and save lives. Crucial lessons are being learned and applied with every outbreak experience,” Moeti added.
Swift response comprising key outbreak management measures reminiscent of contact tracing, testing, illness surveillance in addition to neighborhood collaboration efforts helped comprise the outbreak inside Beni, the place the preliminary case was detected. In help of the nation, WHO deployed consultants, provides, and contributed funds to assist comprise the outbreak.
However, unpredictable and typically unstable safety in components of Beni hampered the response in some localities with well being staff and different frontline responders unable to entry insecure areas to watch high-risk contacts or administer vaccines.
With the outbreak now declared over, the well being authorities are sustaining surveillance and are prepared to reply rapidly to any flare-ups. It is just not uncommon for sporadic circumstances to happen following a serious outbreak.
Source: IANS
