Assessing #Ebola virus circulation in the Tshuapa province (#DRC): A #OneHealth #investigation of wildlife and #human interactions
Abstract The wildlife reservoir and spillover mechanisms of Ebola virus remain elusive despite extensive research efforts in endemic areas. This study employed a One Health approach to examine the virus’ circulation in wildlife and the associated human exposure risks in the Tshuapa province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo . We screened 1049 samples from 919 animals , predominantly small mammals , collected in 2021, and 380 samples from inhabitants of Inkanamongo village, the site of an Ebola virus disease outbreak in 2014. These samples were screened for evidence of current (RNA) or past (IgG antibodies) Ebola virus infections. We also conducted interviews with 167 individuals in the surrounding districts to assess their interactions with wildlife . While no Ebola virus RNA was detected in the wildlife samples , anti-orthoebolavirus IgG antibodies were found in 13 bats and 38 rodents . Among the human participants , 120 individuals had IgG antibodies against at least 1 or...