Ecochard R. auteur aut IRD Wimba P. auteur aut IRD Bengehya J. auteur aut IRD Katchunga P. B. auteur aut IRD Lugwarha S. auteur aut IRD Oyimangirwe M. auteur aut IRD Bazeboso J.O. auteur aut IRD Tshilolo L. auteur aut IRD Longo-Mbenza B. auteur aut IRD Rabilloud M. auteur aut IRD Iwaz J. auteur aut IRD Etard Jean-François auteur aut IRD Vanhems P. auteur aut IRD text journalArticle eng text/pdf reformatted digital access Objective: The outbreak of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in South Kivu, Democratic Republic of Congo raised concerns regarding additional morbidity and mortality. Updating these indicators before a second wave is essential in order to prepare for additional help. Methods: From mid-May to mid-December 2020, weekly surveys were undertaken in sampled streets from 10 health areas to quantify the use of barrier measures, and interview pedestrians about sickness and deaths in their households. Crude death rates (CDRs) were estimated. Results: Minimal use or no use of face masks was observed in at least half of the streets. From May to December 2020, the number of suspected cases of COVID-19 increased six-fold (P < 0.05). Of deaths within 30 days preceding the interviews, 20% were considered to be related to COVID-19. The monthly CDRs at the beginning and end of the study were approximately 5 and 25 per 1000 population, respectively (P < 0.05); that is, annual CDRs of 60 and 260 per 1000 population, respectively. Thus, during the first wave, the estimated mortality rate increased by 50% compared with previous years, and increased at least four-fold by the end of 2020. Conclusion: Despite possible overestimations,the excess mortality in South Kivu is extremely concerning. This crisis calls for a rapid response and increased humanitarian assistance. specialized COVID-19 KIVU SUD 052MALTRA01 050ETUREG 105 716-720 2021 1201-9712 https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010081922 10.1016/j.ijid.2021.03.043 1201-9712 [F B010081922] https://www.documentation.ird.fr/hor/fdi:010081922 https://horizon.documentation.ird.fr/exl-doc/pleins_textes/2021-06/010081922.pdf IRD - Base Horizon / Pleins textes 2021-05-25 2025-02-24 fdi:010081922 fre