Journal Article

Organization of Patient Care during the Ebola Hemorrhagic Fever Epidemic in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo, 1995

Kipasa, Mungala Anicet, Ndaberey, Djuma Eduard, Massamba, Matondo, Nkuku, Okumi Berthe, Kibadi, Kapay, Calain, Philippe, Katwiki, Kasongo René, Van den Enden, Erwin, Bwaka, Mpia Ado, Mupapa, Kibadi Donat, Colebunders, Robert, Mapanda, Bwas Bienvenu, De Roo, Ann, Fleerackers, Yon, Guimard, Yves, Kuvula, Kivudi José

1999

Overview

In contrast with procedures in previous Ebola outbreaks, patient care during the 1995 outbreak in Kikwit, Democratic Republic of the Congo, was centralized for a large number of patients. On 4 May, before the diagnosis of Ebola hemorrhagic fever (EHF) was confirmed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an isolation ward was created at Kikwit General Hospital. On 11 May, an international scientific and technical committee established as a priority the improvement of hygienic conditions in the hospital and the protection of health care workers and family members; to this end, protective equipment was distributed and barrier-nursing techniques were implemented. For patients living far from Kikwit, home care was organized. Initially, hospitalized patients were given only oral treatments; however, toward the end of the epidemic, infusions and better nutritional support were given, and 8 patients received blood from convalescent EHF patients. Only 1 of the transfusion patients died (12.5%). It is expected that with improved medical care, the case fatality rate of EHF could be reduced.

• Publisher: The University of Chicago Press,University of Chicago Press,Oxford University Press
• Subject: Algorithms / Control, Response, Prevention / Cross Infection - diagnosis / Cross Infection - epidemiology / Cross Infection - therapy / Democratic Republic of the Congo - epidemiology / Disease Outbreaks / Ebola virus / Epidemics / Family members / Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola - diagnosis / Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola - epidemiology / Hemorrhagic Fever, Ebola - therapy / Home Nursing / Hospital units / Hospitals / Hospitals, General / Humans / Infection Control / Infections / Medical equipment / Medical personnel / Nurses / Patient care / Patient Care Management - organization & administration / Patient Isolation / Time Factors