KINSHASA, May 26 (Xinhua) -- The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Tuesday that a confirmed case of Ebola virus disease is recovering in Goma, an eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) city, with work underway to strengthen the response against the outbreak.
Anne Ancia, WHO's acting representative in the DRC, made the remarks during a visit to Goma, currently under the control of the March 23 Movement rebel group.
The confirmed patient is receiving treatment at a local hospital with "very positive" condition, while contacts are being "monitored regularly," said Ancia.
She noted that current discussions focused on the city's health situation and measures to reinforce surveillance, case management, contact tracing and community engagement in response to the Ebola outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain.
Six tonnes of personal protective equipment and six tonnes of medicines are in transit, expected to be transported to Goma from Kigali, the capital of Rwanda, by a humanitarian convoy, Ancia said, adding that needs are being assessed to strengthen diagnostic capacity and laboratory infrastructure in Goma.
She also stressed that the response should be guided by science and accurate information, warning against rumors that could trigger panic or disorder.
"We need the contribution of the population to manage this epidemic," Ancia said, calling for community cooperation.
According to the WHO, more than 900 suspected cases and over 220 suspected deaths have been reported across three provinces since the outbreak was declared on May 15.
