According to the WeChat public account of the Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on July 2, the Chinese Embassy in the Democratic Republic of the Congo issued a notification on the security situation:
On July 1st, the Ministry of Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo released data on Ebola outbreaks. In the three provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, a total of 1,406 confirmed cases have been reported, with 438 deaths recorded.
Since June 27th, eight people have died in the Kijongze refugee camp in Bunia, Ituri Province, due to the Ebola epidemic and other reasons.
(III) On June 29, the Democratic Forces of Ivory Coast (ADF) attacked a GNA position in the Pangoi mining area in the Mbassa region of Ituri province. This attack resulted in at least 3 deaths, several people were kidnapped, and the GNA was forced to withdraw.
On the night of June 30, some people in the Manbassa area of Ituri Province attacked the Baffwabanjo Ebola Treatment Center in the Nyanga-Nyanga health district, resulting in the death of 1 police officer and 1 civilian. Two confirmed Ebola cases and 7 suspected cases fled from this medical facility.
(5) On July 1st, violent conflicts broke out between M23 and Vaza Landa militia in the Masikio area of North Kivu Province and parts of Kaléhe in South Kivu Province.
Currently, the security situation in Congo (DR Congo) is complex and severe. A new wave of Ebola outbreaks has occurred in the eastern part of the country. The security situation in North Kivu and South Kivu has deteriorated sharply, with continuous violent clashes between the Congolese army and M23 rebels. The security situation in Ituri and Upper West Nile provinces is also not optimistic. Illegal armed groups such as M23, ADF, CODECO, Mai-Mai militia, and Zaire militia continue to cause trouble in provinces like North Kivu, South Kivu, Ituri, and Upper West Nile. Violent conflicts, armed robbery, and kidnappings occur from time to time. The security risks faced by Chinese citizens in Congo remain high.
The Chinese Embassy in Congo (Kinshasa) reminds all Chinese citizens in Congo to attach great importance to safety issues. Chinese citizens are not allowed to travel to highly dangerous areas such as Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, and Upper West Nile provinces. Chinese citizens and enterprises still located in these areas should evacuate or transfer to safer areas as soon as possible. Do not travel to the following nine provinces unless necessary: Luaraaba, Ganda, Lower West Nile, Tanga-Nkurunjo, Mana, Central Kasere, Sankuru, Lomami, and Upper Lomami.
Local Chinese citizens who have not yet reported their information to the embassy should do so as soon as possible. Enterprises and individuals that are just starting mining activities should also report to the embassy (reporting website: https://www.wjx.cn/vm/mIDINTY.aspx#). Those who refuse to report their information and continue to travel or stay in the aforementioned areas will be responsible for any consequences that may arise.
The Chinese Embassy in Congo (RDC) reminds Chinese citizens in Congo to closely monitor the development of the Ebola epidemic, to effectively enhance their awareness of prevention, to take responsibility for their own health, and to strengthen personal hygiene protection. Do not travel to Ivorian Province and surrounding areas with extremely high safety risks. Try to minimize unnecessary outings and cross-regional movements, avoid crowded places, avoid contact with wild animals, and avoid physical contact with confirmed patients or suspected infected individuals. If you feel unwell, please seek medical examination and treatment at a regular hospital in a timely manner. Chinese citizens and Chinese-funded enterprises in Congo should further improve their epidemic prevention and control plans, strengthen personnel health monitoring and emergency supplies storage, reduce crowded activities, and enhance the management of office and residential hygiene. If an epidemic occurs in your area, please cooperate with local health authorities to carry out isolation, testing, and epidemiological investigations.
Chinese citizens conducting business in the capital of Kinshasa are advised to pay close attention to the local situation, strengthen security measures, and absolutely avoid complacency and luck-seeking mentality. When going out, be vigilant and stay in touch with family, friends, and colleagues. If any risky situations are detected, take immediate precautions. Chinese-funded institutions located in areas where security conditions have significantly deteriorated should take practical measures, continue to invest in security at the highest standard, reduce unnecessary personnel, and prepare contingency plans for adjusting production and personnel arrangements in case of emergencies.
Chinese citizens must be vigilant against telecom fraud. Pay close attention when receiving strange calls to avoid being deceived.
In case of an emergency, please report to the police immediately and contact the embassy.
Congolese (RDC) Police Contact Numbers: +243-818906284, +243-816770006, +243-827205000
Ministry of Foreign Affairs Global Consular Protection and Service Emergency Hotline (24 Hours): +86-10-12308 or +86-10-65612308
Kongo (Kinshasa) Consulate Phone for Protection and Assistance: +243-851474669
According to Reuters, a deadly Ebola outbreak has occurred in Congo (Republic of the Congo) since May this year. It is reported that this outbreak was caused by the Bundibugyo virus, one of the six known Ebola viruses. Currently, there are no approved drugs or vaccines for this disease.
According to Bloomberg, before the outbreak of this pandemic, since the Ebola virus was discovered in Uganda in 2007, the BdD Ebola virus has only caused two known outbreaks, with a total of only 193 confirmed cases.
Public information indicates that Ebola is a serious and often fatal human disease. There are three different viruses known to cause large-scale Ebola outbreaks: Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Bundibjoko virus.
The average mortality rate for Ebola disease is about 50%. In previous outbreaks, the mortality rate varied from 25% to 90%. The vaccines and treatments currently approved are only applicable to one type of virus (Ebola virus). Vaccines and treatments for other viruses are still under development.
The incubation period for the disease, or the time from infection to the appearance of symptoms, is between 2 and 21 days. Symptoms of Ebola disease may appear suddenly, including fever, fatigue, discomfort, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. Subsequently, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rashes, and damage to kidney and liver function may occur. Effects on the central nervous system can lead to confusion, irritability, and aggression.
