DR Congo Ebola Cases Cross 7,000

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the current outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has crossed 7,000 since mid-May, according to official data.

Health Ministry data showed that confirmed cases had reached 7,022, including 3,398 deaths, giving a case fatality rate of 48.4%.

The latest increase came as the virus spread to South-Ubangi Province, bringing the number of affected provinces to seven. The affected provinces are Ituri, North Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo, South Kivu, Bas-Uélé, and South-Ubangi.

The first confirmed case in South Ubangi was reported late last week in the Bulu health zone.

Authorities said the case involved a 23-year-old man who died after travelling from South Kivu province on July 10. A total of 62 health zones across the seven provinces are now affected.

Ituri remains the epicentre of the outbreak, accounting for 78.9% of the total confirmed cases.

The Congolese government and health organisations launched a revised 180-day multi-sectoral response plan last week, with a budget of $1.3 billion. The plan is aimed at coordinating efforts to interrupt chains of virus transmission.

It includes expanded epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing, community engagement, risk communication, and logistical capacity, as well as preparations in provinces considered at risk.

Authorities have not provided further details on the number of suspected or probable cases in the latest data.

SOURCE: AA