Contact Tracing Is The Biggest Weakness In Ebola Outbreak
The Africa CDC reports that only 12% of Ebola contacts in the DRC's Ituri province have been traced, creating a high risk of community transmission. Conflict and community resistance are cited as major obstacles to effective containment efforts.
Why it matters
Low contact tracing rates in high-density areas threaten to prolong the outbreak and increase mortality rates in the region.
Only around 12% of the contacts of Ebola patients in Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have been reached, posing a “huge risk” for community transmission, Dr Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention told a media briefing on Thursday.
The report relies on official statements from health authorities and describes the situation objectively.
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