DRC Ebola Cases Surpass 6,000

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded more than 6,000 confirmed Ebola cases, with the death toll approaching 3,000 as authorities intensify efforts to contain the worst outbreak of the disease in the country.

Official data released on Monday showed 6,041 confirmed cases and 2,911 deaths since the outbreak was declared in May. At least 1,366 people have recovered, while 619 patients remain in isolation or in the hospital.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has spread across 60 health zones in six provinces, with Ituri remaining the epicentre. North Kivu, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, South Kivu, and Bas-Uele have also reported cases.

The World Health Organization has described the outbreak as the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic recorded, warning that continued transmission and limited response capacity are putting further pressure on affected communities.

Efforts to contain the virus have been complicated by insecurity, population displacement, movement across affected areas, and a strike by health workers.

Authorities have launched vaccination efforts targeting health and frontline workers, while researchers are testing potential treatments and vaccines specifically against the Bundibugyo strain.

The outbreak has already surpassed Congo’s previous worst Ebola epidemic, recorded between 2018 and 2020.

SOURCE: TRTAfrika