[Neuromancer]

As of Wed 25 Feb 2003, a total of 5 laboratory-confirmed and 90 probable cases, including 77 deaths (case fatality rate 81 percent) from Ebola hemorrhagic fever, has been reported in the districts of Mbomo and Kellé in Cuvette Ouest Region

Experts in clinical management and a logistician have joined the international team from the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network, the Congolese Ministry of Health and WHO. Isolation wards have been set up in Kelle and Mbomo Hospitals, and are receiving patients.

Since the previous WHO Update released on Tue 18 Feb 2003, the number of probable and confirmed cases of Ebola hemorrhagic fever has increased by 22, and the number of deaths by 18.

[Neuromancer]

As of Thu 27 Feb 2003, a total of 5 laboratory-confirmed and 92 probable cases, including 80 deaths, from Ebola haemorrhagic fever, has been reported in the districts of Mbomo and Kelle in Cuvette Ouest Region

The Congolese government has sent food for the communities in these districts. The Ministry of Health, WHO and the international team from the Global Outbreak Alert and Response Network are training local health workers in clinical management of the disease; carrying out active case finding and contact tracing; and providing protective clothing and essential medical equipment:

They are also developing public health education messages about Ebola fever with local leaders through the local radio and print media, and, with volunteers from the national Red Cross Society, working to increase community awareness and understanding of Ebola fever.

These figures represent an increase of 2 cases and 3 deaths in the 48 hours since Wed 25 Feb 2003.