End of the Yellow Fever Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Angola

On August 11, 2016, the World Health Organization (WHO) declared the end of the yellow fever outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) and Angola. This declaration marked a significant milestone in the fight against a severe epidemic that had posed a major public health challenge in the region.

Background

Yellow fever is a viral hemorrhagic disease transmitted by infected mosquitoes, primarily the Aedes aegypti species. It is endemic in tropical areas of Africa and Central and South America. The outbreak in Angola began in December 2015 and quickly spread to the DRC and other neighboring countries, raising international concern due to the potential for widespread transmission.

Key Events Leading to the Declaration

1. Initial Outbreak and Spread:

   • The outbreak was first identified in Angola’s capital, Luanda, in December 2015. It rapidly spread to other provinces and across the border into the DRC.
   • By mid-2016, thousands of suspected cases were reported, with hundreds of confirmed cases and a significant number of deaths.

2. International Response:

   • The WHO, in collaboration with local health authorities and international partners, launched a massive vaccination campaign.
   • Over 30 million people were vaccinated in Angola and the DRC, a monumental effort given the logistical challenges and the urgency of the situation.

3. Control Measures:

   • In addition to vaccination, vector control measures were implemented to reduce mosquito populations.
   • Public health education campaigns were conducted to inform communities about preventive measures.

Declaration of the End of the Outbreak

The WHO’s declaration on August 11, 2016, was based on the significant reduction in new cases and the absence of confirmed cases in previously affected areas for a period exceeding the incubation period of the virus. This success was attributed to the coordinated international response and the effective implementation of vaccination and control measures.

Aftermath and Significance

• Public Health Impact: The end of the outbreak highlighted the importance of rapid response and international cooperation in managing infectious disease outbreaks.
• Vaccine Stockpile: The outbreak underscored the need for a robust global vaccine stockpile to respond quickly to future outbreaks.
• Strengthened Surveillance: The experience led to improved surveillance systems in the affected countries, enhancing their capacity to detect and respond to similar threats.

The successful containment of the yellow fever outbreak in the DRC and Angola serves as a testament to the effectiveness of global health initiatives and the critical role of vaccination in controlling infectious diseases.