DRC - Chickenpox outbreak 2026

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Maniema: A chickenpox outbreak discovered at Kindu Central Prison; the provincial government announces it will take care of the cases

Wed 29/07/2026 - 09:07
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At least twelve cases of chickenpox have been identified and isolated at the central prison in Kindu, where an outbreak was reported on July 24 by the chaplain of the establishment, before being denounced by a human rights organization and then confirmed by the Maniema Provincial Health Division.

Overcrowding, poor hygiene, and soap shortages are at the root of the prisoners' health vulnerability. Despite a continuous water supply provided by REGIDESO, the lack of soap for daily washing has facilitated the rapid transmission of the virus within the cells.

The provincial government of Maniema claims to have released emergency funds for the provision of medicines and the disinfection of premises.

The provincial Minister of Health, Dr. Alexis Kingombe Tchomba, detailed the response measures deployed by the Provincial Health Division.

“Since last week, we have reported 12 cases that the Provincial Division is taking care of. There is a problem: the prisoners are not bathing due to a lack of soap, so it is a hygiene problem. The governor has purchased the medication for treatment, which has also allowed us to separate those who are sick from those who are not,” he indicated.

To stop the chain of transmission, provincial authorities implemented an emergency protocol, centered on the strict separation of infected inmates and the distribution of medications funded by the provincial government. Teams from the Office of Hygiene also intervened to disinfect the premises and assess the facility's sanitation needs. The minister further specified that this intervention is in addition to the free treatment of tuberculosis cases recently detected within the same prison.

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https://actualite.cd/2026/07/29/man...t-la-prison-centrale-de-kindu-le-gouvernement

 

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Kindu: Nearly 100 cases of chickenpox, with no deaths, reported at the central prison (official)

Friday, August 28, 2026 - 1:42 PM

A total of 97 cases of chickenpox have been reported at the Kindu Central Prison, the capital of Maniema province, since the outbreak began in the 20th epidemiological week. As of the 35th week, no deaths had been recorded, according to health authorities. The situation is nonetheless worrying due to the contagious nature of the disease and the overcrowding that prevails in this prison.
Following this alert, an investigation team led by Faustin Bikonda, head of the Maniema Provincial Health Division (DPS), visited Kindu Central Prison on Thursday, August 27, 2026, to assess the situation. The sick inmates presented with skin rashes, leading health teams to suspect chickenpox rather than measles. Samples were taken, and medication was administered to some of the patients by the Kindu health zone.

Health authorities are recommending, in particular, the isolation of sick inmates to limit the risk of transmission to those who are still unaffected. This measure appears urgent in a prison built to house approximately 250 inmates, but which currently holds 644, thus creating overcrowded conditions conducive to the spread of the disease.

“The strategy is a preventive and curative one. We must first prevent those who are still unaffected, those who are not yet sick. These people must be separated from those who are sick. Secondly, we must treat those who are sick,” Faustin Bikonda explained to the press.

Despite several meetings with the provincial governor, prison management, and officials from the justice, health, and civil society sectors, the isolation of sick individuals was still not in place during the last visit. The shortage of medication also remains a concern, while health authorities are calling for strengthened preventative measures to contain the spread of chickenpox.

Morisho Tambwe, in Kindu

Kindu : près de 100 cas de varicelle dont aucun décès signalés à la prison centrale (officiel)

Au total, 97 cas de varicelle ont été signalés à la prison centrale de Kindu, chef-lieu du Maniema, depuis le début de l’épidémie à la 20ᵉ semaine épidémiologique. À la 35ᵉ semaine, aucun décès n’a été enregistré, selon les autorités sanitaires.

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