Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the Republic of the Congo - Update 3

Disease Outbreak News ^ | 11-25-03 | WHO

[Neuromancer]

Ebola haemorrhagic fever in the Republic of the Congo - Update 3

25 November 2003

Disease Outbreak Reported

As of 24 November 2003, the Ministry of Health of the Republic of the Congo has reported a total of 36 cases, including 18 deaths, of Ebola haemorrhagic fever (EHF) in Mbomo (33 cases, 15 deaths) and Mbandza (3 cases, 3 deaths); villages located in Mbomo district, Cuvette Ouest Department (See previous report ).

The WHO Regional Office for Africa sub-regional epidemic response team for West Africa, staff from the WHO Country Office in Brazzaville, and Médecins sans Frontières (MSF-Holland) continue to support the Ministry of Health in Mbomo district. An isolation facility has been established, and contact tracing and social mobilization activities with communities in the region are ongoing.

[Neuromancer]

This represents an increase of 12 cases and 6 deaths since the previous WHO report dated Fri 21 Nov 2003.

All of the new cases and the 6 additional deaths have occurred in Mbomo. 2 cases previously attributed to Mbandza are now listed under Mbomo. -

[FrogMom]

Ugh. Thanks for the info.

[tet68]

This scares me worse than the Taliban.
It would run through a modern urban setting like fire.

[Endeavor]

Is this the outbreak that was originally allegedly linked to eating some animal (I can't remember -- monkey or something)?

If so, I'm curious how that link was established, since we've not been able to find the reservoir in the wild.

[WackyKat]

I know that Marburg virus, which is very closely related to Ebola, is carried by the green monkey and has been transmitted by them to humans.
My understanding is that, despite extensive studies, the host animal of Ebola has never been found.

[Neuromancer]

Is this the outbreak that was originally allegedly linked to eating some animal (I can't remember -- monkey or something)?

The outbreak began when members of one family in the village of Mbanza fell ill after consuming a dead wild boar discovered in the forests during a major hunting expedition. However, it is has now emerged that a monkey caught and eaten by the family the day before the main hunt may be to blame. "As we speak, it is a monkey that is a lot more incriminated," André Zamouangana of the Congolese Red Cross in Brazzaville, told New Scientist.

If so, I'm curious how that link was established, since we've not been able to find the reservoir in the wild.

A group of hunters went into the forest and in spite of the advice given, they collected the meat of a dead boar...Nine of them died. The only survivor is a young schoolboy who refused to touch the game," Moka said. Scientists believe the last Ebola outbreak in the region around Mbomo, known as Cuvette-Ouest, was caused by the consumption of infected monkey meat. Bushmeat is a staple among forest communities and a delicacy in many cities.

[Neuromancer]

Researchers have speculated that birds may be the elusive reservoir of Ebola virus, having noted the similarities between Ebola and avian retroviruses.

Research shows that Ebola virus and avian sarcoma and leukosis virus have some functional similarities.

The glycoproteins of Ebola and avian retroviruses have similar biochemical and structural properties.

Avian viruses have jumped the species barrier before; Influenza A is a familiar example of a pathogen that causes little harm to its natural host, birds - but in jumping to another species, its adaptation to a foreign host, the flu virus has led to deadly outbreaks.

In Tanzania and Kenya, where Ebola outbreaks have not occurred, the bird populations are distinct from those populations in areas where outbreaks have occurred - farther west and into Congo.

However there is no field evidence of Ebola in birds.

[Neuromancer]

This hot zone is getting quite worrisome. This is the second Ebola outbreak this year.

[Boundless]

> the host animal of Ebola has never been found.

The latest on that per New Scientist:
Ebola 'suspect list' drawn up as outbreak hits

[WackyKat]

Interesting. Thanks for the link.
It's funny that Americans seem to be inordinately scared of Ebola,given that the disease is not that easy to catch and usually peters out rather quickly when it does erupt.

[Wally_Kalbacken]

Given:

1. The general lack of public health
2. The low IQ of the population at large; and
3. The cultural and behavioral tendencies that foster the transmission of disease in that part of the world…

I’m not hoping for miracles. Africa is a first rate mess. The population there will decline substantially in the next two decades from diseases that we know how to contain if not cure. The continent is a poster child for the disadvantages of being backward and ignorant.

[cyborg]

Sounds like you are describing America as well. And... what's worse backward and ignorant or knowing better and doing it anyway?

[FrogMom]

Isn't it just getting to be summer down there?

When was the first?

[MattAMiller]

It would run through a modern urban setting like fire.

No it wouldn't. It's not spread through the air and it kills so quick that burns its self out in no time. Avoid pools of Ebola infected bodily fluids and you're good to go.

[Endeavor]

Yes, avian viruses have jumped to humans many times before, but those have generally been either respiratory or cerebrospinal. I can't think of a case of hemmorhagic fever or a gi virus jumping although it certainly isn't impossible.