An outbreak of Ebola disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus remains in a period of intense transmission, in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Since it’s first detection in May, 6757 cases have been confirmed across 6 provinces of the DRC, along with 20 cases in Uganda and one in France (as of September 8). A crude case fatality ratio of 48% underscores the severity of the disease and the ongoing challenges towards case detection, clinical care and, ultimately, interruption of transmission.
Unchecked transmission of Bundibugyo in the DRC heightens the risk of exportation across international borders. Furthermore, healthcare workers recovering from the disease have been medically evacuated to both Germany and France for enhanced care. Is your laboratory prepared to handle a potential case?
Subscribe to Editors in Conversation on Apple, Spotify, Android, RSS or Email and never miss an episode.
Guests:
- Daniel Rhoads, M.D.
- Zoe Weiss, M.D.
- Beverley Orr, MT(ASCP)
- Nicholas Heger, Ph.D.
Links:
- Ebola laboratory preparedness at frontline hospitals: can we or can’t we?
This episode is brought to you by the Journal of Clinical Microbiology.
Visit asm.org/jcm to browse issues and/or submit a manuscript.
If you plan to publish in JCM, ASM Members get up to 50% off publishing fees. Visit asm.org/joinasm to sign up.