Brazil investigates suspected Ebola case in São Paulo as Congo outbreak surpasses 1,000 infections
Health authorities in São Paulo are investigating a suspected Ebola infection in a man who recently traveled from the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where an outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain has killed at least 223 people.
The suspected case
Health authorities in the Brazilian state of São Paulo announced on Saturday they are investigating a suspected case of Ebola. A man from the Democratic Republic of the Congo presented with fever after a recent visit to the African country, which is currently battling an outbreak of the virus. The patient is being held in isolation at the Instituto Emílio Ribas de Doenças Infecciosas, a hospital specializing in the care of patients with suspected or confirmed viral and infectious diseases during epidemic phases.
The procedure includes isolation, immediate notification, laboratory investigation and monitoring.
Laboratory tests have not yet confirmed the case, but the investigation was initiated "as a precaution" after symptoms were identified, in accordance with medical protocols. Authorities described the risk of the disease being introduced into Brazil as "very low," citing the absence of local transmission and the lack of direct flights between the South American country and the affected African region.
The outbreak in Congo
The current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which has a fatality rate between 30% and 50% and for which there is no authorized vaccine or specific treatment. The World Health Organization reported on Friday that 906 probable cases of Ebola infection have been recorded in the DRC, with 223 suspected deaths. Meanwhile, data published Thursday by the Africa CDC, the African Union's health agency, recorded 246 deaths and more than 1,000 probable cases.
- WHO probable cases
- 906 count
- Africa CDC probable cases
- 1000 count
- WHO suspected deaths
- 223 count
- Africa CDC deaths
- 246 count
Regional spread
Seven confirmed cases have also been detected in neighboring Uganda. The first two involved travelers returning from the DRC, and subsequent domestic transmissions have since been recorded, including among healthcare workers. One of the patients in Uganda has died.
Historical context
Ebola has killed more than 15,000 people in Africa over the past 50 years, according to the Associated Press. The deadliest outbreak in the DRC, which occurred between 2018 and 2020, claimed nearly 2,300 lives. The current Bundibugyo outbreak presents a significant challenge due to the absence of approved vaccines or treatments for this particular strain.
Response and precautions
Brazilian health authorities have recommended that health services monitor individuals presenting with fever and a recent travel history to the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as their close contacts. The patient remains in isolation while laboratory investigations continue, and officials have emphasized that the precautionary protocols are functioning as designed.
