DRC: More than 3,000 cases of measles reported in the 4th epidemiological week

Kinshasa, February 2^nd, 2025 (CPA).- 3,306 cases of measles were reported during the 4th epidemiological week (January 19^th to 24^th) in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the CPA learned on Monday from a press release from the Ministry in charge of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare. ‘The measles epidemic remains under close surveillance. For the fourth epidemiological week, 3,306 cases were reported with 40 deaths recorded, representing a case fatality rate of 1.21%. Strengthening routine vaccination remains the priority in order to break the chain of transmission,’ the statement said.

With regard to cholera, the source noted a downward trend, with 1,457 suspected cases reported in EW 04, compared to 1,688 in the previous week (January 12^th to 17^th), a decrease of 231 cases. According to the communiqué, during this fourth week, of the 31 deaths reported, 23 occurred within the community, and the country has recorded an overall controlled mortality rate of 0.5% for this disease. In light of this situation, the source urged the population to go to the nearest health center as soon as symptoms of this disease appear.

The source indicated that vaccination against Mpox is accelerating in the field. « During week 4, vaccination activities continued successfully in 12 Health Zones (HZ) spread across 8 provinces. The highlights are the exceptional effort made in the Irebu Health Zone (Equateur) with 7,414 people vaccinated, as well as in South Kivu. Highlights include the exceptional effort made in the Irebu ZS (Equateur) with 7,414 people vaccinated, as well as in South Kivu where 6,317 contacts were protected in the Mitimurhesa and Nyangezi areas, » the source reported. To date, the source continued, 1,557,268 people have been vaccinated against this disease, and the cumulative number of confirmed cases now stands at 33,366 since surveillance began.  Faced with the emergence of Nipah virus outbreaks in Asia, the source specified that the DRC is activating its preventive vigilance protocol in the areas leading to India, Bangladesh and Malaysia.