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2017 outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Northern Democratic Republic of Congo | Journal Article / Research | MSF Science Portal
Journal Article
|Research

2017 outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Northern Democratic Republic of Congo

Nsio JM, Kapteshi K, Makiala S, Raymond F, Tshapenda G, Boucher N, Corbeil J, Okitandjate A, Mbuyi G, Kiyele M, Mondonge V, Kikoo MJ, Van Herp M, Barboza P, Petrucci R, Bendetti G, Formenty P, Muzinga BM, Kalenga OI, Ahuka S, Fausther-Bovendo H, Ilunga BK, Kobinger GP, Muyembe JJT
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Abstract
BACKGROUND
In 2017, the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) recorded its eighth Ebola virus disease (EVD) outbreak, approximately 3 years after the previous outbreak.

METHODS
Suspect cases of EVD were identified on the basis of clinical and epidemiological information. Reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis or serological testing was used to confirm Ebola virus infection in suspected cases. The causative virus was later sequenced from a RT-PCR–positive individual and assessed using phylogenetic analysis.

RESULTS
Three probable and 5 laboratory-confirmed cases of EVD were recorded between 27 March and 1 July 2017 in the DRC. Fifty percent of cases died from the infection. EVD cases were detected in 4 separate areas, resulting in > 270 contacts monitored. The complete genome of the causative agent, a variant from the Zaireebolavirus species, denoted Ebola virus Muyembe, was obtained using next-generation sequencing. This variant is genetically closest, with 98.73% homology, to the Ebola virus Mayinga variant isolated from the first DRC outbreaks in 1976–1977.

CONCLUSION
A single spillover event into the human population is responsible for this DRC outbreak. Human-to-human transmission resulted in limited dissemination of the causative agent, a novel Ebola virus variant closely related to the initial Mayinga variant isolated in 1976–1977 in the DRC.

Countries

Democratic Republic of Congo

Subject Area

Ebolaoutbreaks

Languages

English
DOI
10.1093/infdis/jiz107
Published Date
03 Apr 2019
PubMed ID
30942884
Journal
Journal of Infectious Diseases
Volume | Issue | Pages
Volume 221, Issue 5, Pages 701-706
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