GOMA – It has been confirmed that there is an Ebola outbreak in Goma city in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
According to a statement issued by the Ministry of Health in DRC, it is stated that a pastor tested positive with the Ebola virus upon his arrival in the city of Goma from Butembo.
The Ministry has stated that the risk of the virus spreading farther is still low.
“Due to the speed with which the patient has the identification of all passengers from Butembo, the risk of spreading to the rest of the city of Goma remains low.” Reads an excerpt from the statement.
It has been stated that the bus driver and 18 passengers will be vaccinated today to contain the situation.
More than 1,600 people have died since the Ebola outbreak began in Congo last year.
According to BBC, the city had prepared for the outbreak last year with preventive activities and emergency responses in case the deadly disease re-occurred.
A total of 3000 health workers in the city have already been vaccinated.
How it is spread
Ebola affects humans through close contact with infected animals like chimpanzees, bats.
It rapidly spreads through bodily fluids of those infected, indirectly through contact with a contaminated environment.
