Kivu Ebola epidemic

Kivu Ebola epidemic is an outbreak of the Ebola virus disease that occurred in the eastern part of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC). The epidemic began in August 2018 and was declared over in June 2020. It is the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history, after the 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak.

Background

The Kivu Ebola epidemic began in the Kivu and Ituri provinces of the DRC. These areas are characterized by conflict and displacement, which complicated efforts to control the outbreak. The World Health Organization (WHO) declared the outbreak a Public Health Emergency of International Concern in July 2019.

Epidemiology

The Kivu Ebola epidemic resulted in 3,481 confirmed cases and 2,299 deaths, with a case fatality rate of 66%. The majority of cases were reported in the provinces of Kivu and Ituri. The epidemic was particularly severe in the city of Beni, which accounted for nearly a third of all cases.

Response

The response to the Kivu Ebola epidemic was coordinated by the DRC's Ministry of Health, with support from the WHO and other international partners. The response included vaccination, contact tracing, and infection prevention and control measures. However, the response was hampered by ongoing conflict in the region, as well as community mistrust and resistance.

Impact

The Kivu Ebola epidemic had a significant impact on the affected communities, causing widespread fear and disruption. The epidemic also strained the DRC's health system, which was already dealing with multiple other health crises, including measles and malaria outbreaks.

See also

• Ebola virus disease
• 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak
• Public Health Emergency of International Concern

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