[U] We Must Sadly Report A Small Resurgence -- Of Ebola -- In DRC... On An Index, Of Seven Cases.

The ongoing global pandemic of COVID-19. . . has meant that April's small but worrisome ebola resurgence in the DRC has been undercovered, by media (in the US at least).

But we cannot take our eye off that ball, as small embers too easily may become house fires. Here's the latest, from WHO:

. . . .From 18 to 24 May 2020, no new confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease (EVD) have been reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The definitive source of infection of the cluster reported in April 2020 remains unidentified. In the last seven days, two historic probable cases were validated, from people who had onset of symptoms in March 2019 and July 2019.

From 18 to 24 May 2020, an average of 2704 alerts were reported and investigated per day. Of these, an average of 397 alerts were validated as suspected cases each day, requiring specialized care and laboratory testing to rule out EVD. In the past three weeks, the alert rate has improved notably in Beni and Butembo sub-coordinations. Timely testing of suspected cases continues to be provided from eight laboratories. From 18 to 24 May 2020, 3065 samples were tested including 2313 blood samples from alive, suspected cases; 331 swabs from community deaths; and 421 samples from re-tested patients. Overall, laboratory activities increased by 7% compared to the previous week.

As of 24 May 2020, a total of 3463 EVD cases, including 3317 confirmed and 146 probable cases have been reported, of which 2280 cases died (overall case fatality ratio 66%), and 1171 have recovered. Of the total confirmed and probable cases, 57% (n=1970) were female, 29% (n=1002) were children aged less than 18 years, and 5% (n=171) were healthcare workers.. . .

Now you know -- and it should be noted that the allegory to COVID here, is daunting: even with a working vaccine, the flare ups continue -- and people die. We should steel ourselves to the the notion that flare ups of COVID will come, and more will die -- even after we have a vaccine in hand.

Also sad, but accurate: do go see the USA Today front page, this morning -- as well as the Minneapolis Star-Tribune.

Onward, into the warm sunshine, just the same. . . . very much looking forward to a livestream of Mr. Musk's launch later this afternoon. . . I have pre-launch butterflies, in truth. Meditating -- on a flawless "go flight!", all day today. Updated: Weather scrubs today. Next window: Saturday afternoon.

Now, go be excellent to one another. I do wonder if that was you logging on from your old fam account, at 7:42 pm last night, twice -- geolocated in the Big Easy... smile....?



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