DRC: MSF responds to first case of Ebola in Goma

NEW YORK, JULY 15, 2019—The international medical humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) made the following statement today after the first case of Ebola was confirmed in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The affected patient was initially admitted to an MSF-supported Ebola Treatment Center in the city and has since been transferred to a center outside of Goma.

MSF has been responding to the ongoing Ebola epidemic in DRC since the outbreak was declared nearly a year ago, on August 1. In addition to preparing and supporting an Ebola Treatment Center in Goma, MSF has been working on Ebola preparedness in the city of about two million people for more than six months, reinforcing the disease surveillance system and ensuring there is adequate capacity to manage suspected cases.

This confirmed case of Ebola in Goma shows that the situation remains concerning and the epidemic is still not under control. MSF, together with the DRC Ministry of Health and World Health Organization, will continue to monitor the situation in Goma and respond as necessary.

Kate White, MSF’s emergency medical manager, said the following:

“The Doctors Without Borders-supported Ebola Treatment Center in Goma received a patient on July 14.

“We have received the information from the Minister of Health that the laboratory results of this patient are positive, which means that the patient is infected with the Ebola virus.

“The patient, who travelled from Butembo to Goma, was safely isolated and provided with medical care since his arrival to the center. He has been transferred to Butembo this morning [July 15], as per the Ministry of Health’s decision.”