MSF staff tests positive to Ebola disease and medically evacuated
Médecins Sans Frontières/Doctors Without Borders (MSF) confirms that one of its staff members who had been working on the Ebola response in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has tested positive for Bundibugyo virus disease. This person is being safely evacuated under a strict medical protocol in close coordination with the relevant health authorities in the DRC and the Netherlands, where the patient will be received by a designated hospital.
MSF cannot share specific details regarding individual medical evacuations in order to respect medical confidentiality and protect the privacy of our colleague.
The human cost of this crisis is unprecedented in the DRC, with communities facing the largest Ebola disease outbreak ever recorded in the country. Since May, more than 8,000 confirmed cases and 4,000 deaths have been reported, with the true toll likely higher due to gaps in surveillance and case detection. Healthcare workers are among those at greatest risk. Despite providing its staff with training and the highest possible levels of protection, MSF recognises that the risk of exposure can never be completely eliminated.
MSF stands in solidarity with all those working on the front lines of the Ebola response. Their courage, commitment and determination are essential to protecting communities and saving lives.
MSF is currently responding to the Ebola disease outbreak across Ituri, North Kivu, Tshopo, and Haut-Uélé provinces. MSF remains committed to working alongside the Congolese health authorities and with affected communities to try and bring the outbreak under control.
John Riaga