DRC Ebola Outbreak Becomes Deadliest In History

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the deadliest in the history of the country, with 2,325 deaths recorded since the outbreak was declared in May, according to government data.

The latest report from Congo’s public health institute showed that confirmed cases had risen to 4,945, including 101 new cases recorded within 24 hours.

The death toll has surpassed the 2,299 deaths recorded during Congo’s 2018–2020 Ebola outbreak, which was previously the country’s deadliest. The current outbreak, Congo’s 17th, is also the largest in the country’s history by number of confirmed cases.

Globally, it is second only to the 2014–2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, which recorded 28,616 cases and 11,310 deaths across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. The proportion of confirmed patients who have died has risen from about 20% in early June to 46%, according to government data.

Health experts said the increase does not necessarily mean the virus has become more deadly, attributing it instead to delays in detecting cases, weak surveillance and limited access to treatment.

The outbreak has also been complicated by weak health infrastructure, instability and resistance within some communities. The virus earlier spread to neighbouring Uganda, where authorities recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths before declaring the outbreak over last month.

SOURCE: Reuters