By Nina Mitch
The recent breakthrough in Ebola vaccines and surveillance has resulted in reduced cases of Ebola infections in DRC, health researchers have revealed.
Researchers now are using a scientific method where two out of four molecules that are currently used as a curative treatment in the cure of Ebola patients. These molecules, approved by the independent committee of researchers and recommended by the WHO, were used for the two patients recently declared cured of the Ebola treatment center in Goma.
The vaccine also has helped to limit the contamination because of all the contacts of the patients could be vaccinated in time, explained the Congolese virologist.
“We have given the necessary treatment that is effective and here in a short time, both are cured. Ebola kills quickly and Ebola heals quickly. That’s the message. We will also protect the city of Goma through gate surveillance. People who come from Beni, Butembo must be carefully examined.” promised Dr. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, coordinator of the response to the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri.
Similarly, the effectiveness of the treatment depends primarily on the rapid detection of cases, which also allows for rapid management, noted Dr. Muyembe.
The good news is that since early August, no other case has been reported in the city of Goma.
The mother and her child, who had been in care for almost two weeks in the Goma Ebola Treatment Center (ETC), were declared cured and returned to their homes a couple of weeks ago.
“These cases were detected very quickly. The husband was infected, he had ten days at home and his wife and son were contaminated and immediately the response teams brought them at the treatment center.
According to the Virologist, the healing of these patients is a message to the entire population of Goma and elsewhere, despite the devastating effects of Ebola it is curable.
“We have two treatments options using molecules for now; ( mAb-114 and the REGN-EB3). These two molecules will be used because according to the studies and results we have obtained so far, they have proved to be effective in the treatment of Ebola,” said Professor Jean-Jacques.
