DRC Ebola Cases Rise to 515

The Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed that the number of Ebola cases in the country’s latest outbreak has risen to 515, the Ministry of Health announced on Wednesday.

The outbreak has affected several communities in the eastern region. Response teams are carrying out contact tracing, laboratory testing and vaccination campaigns in areas where infections have been reported.

Health officials said the increase follows expanded surveillance and testing efforts aimed at identifying infected persons and preventing further transmission. Treatment centres remain operational in the affected zones. Healthcare workers continue to monitor individuals who may have been exposed to the virus.

International partners, including the World Health Organisation, are providing medical supplies, technical expertise and public awareness campaigns. Authorities have urged residents to report symptoms and cooperate with health workers.

DR Congo has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks in the past, making disease surveillance a regular part of the country’s public health strategy. The current outbreak is the 17th since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976.

Health authorities have not given a timeline for bringing the outbreak under control, but response measures remain active in all affected areas. The WHO has classified the outbreak as a public health emergency of international concern.

SOURCE: Reuters