DRC: cases of plague recorded in Ituri worry the authorities
The territories of Djugu, Mahagi and Aru in Ituri are concerned (illustrative image) ALEX MCBRIDE / AFP
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At least 30 people have died from various forms of the plague in Ituri over the past twelve months.
In total, more than 500 cases have been identified in the same period, according to the provincial Minister of Health who indicates that most of the cases are of bubonic plague.
Cases of pulmonary plague are also reported.
The territories of Djugu, Mahagi and Aru are concerned.
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According to the provincial Minister of Health, Doctor Patrick Karamura, cases have been reported in 8 health zones but especially in Biringi, in the territory of Aru.
It is a former focus of the disease which has reactivated particularly over a radius of about 70 kilometers.
The local medical teams use motorcycles for the active search for cases, delicate operations in these remote areas of the capital of the territory.
But their interventions face several difficulties.
Health response agents sometimes lack protective clothing while they are responsible for ensuring the isolation of the sick, the disinfection of homes and secure burials.
The Minister also points out analytical difficulties: samples taken deteriorate even before their arrival at the laboratory, due in particular to conservation problems during transport.
One of the fears today is the wider spread of the disease.
In fact, more than 10,000 South Sudanese refugees live near the Biringi health zone.
The risk of the disease affecting South Sudan cannot be ruled out, warns the provincial Minister of Health.
Another subject of concern: the massive displacements of populations, particularly from the territory of Djugu, in the grip of armed violence.
The National Biomedical Research Institute (INRB) says it is aware of the situation and promises to send experts from Kinshasa to the area.
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