[Current serologic data on viral hemorrhagic fevers in the Central African Republic]

During the years 1984-1985, 1,528 serum samples were taken through out the CAR. Of these sera, 319 (20.8%) contained anti-Filoviridae antibodies (Ebola, Marburg). This figure is higher than those found in Cameroon, Sudan, Gabon and Zaïre. Three zones of the country are particularly exposed, the North-East where the population is in the contact with Sudan Ebola, the South-East where it is in contact with Zaïre Ebola, and the South-West where it is in contact with Sudan Ebola. The authors believe that there could exist either a Central African Ebola strain or an Ebola-Like less pathogenic virus which is responsible for cross reactions. Results concerning Rift Valley Fever virus, Congo virus and Lassa virus seem less interesting. However RVF and Congo strains were isolated.