Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo spreads to 2 new health zones with total of 60 areas now affected

BUNIA, Congo — The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has expanded to two additional health zones, raising the total to 60 affected areas, according to government data released on Friday. Biena and Manguredjipa, located in Congo’s North Kivu province, are the most recent additions to this rapidly spreading epidemic. The case fatality rate in these zones is significantly higher than the overall 48% rate, largely due to delayed response measures.

The Ministry of Health reports 5,794 confirmed cases and 2,786 fatalities in the outbreak, which is progressing at an alarming pace, outpacing containment efforts. Under challenging circumstances, the epidemic is exacerbated by insecurity, displacement, a strike by healthcare workers, and massive population movements. The World Health Organization warns that the outbreak remains uncontrolled and is projected to exceed the severity of the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, the deadliest on record with over 11,000 fatalities primarily in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone. On Thursday, Congo initiated vaccination campaigns for healthcare workers and others at risk.