Worst DR Congo Ebola epidemic ever passes 7,000 cases
More than 7,000 Ebola cases have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s (DRC) worst outbreak of the deadly disease ever, according to figures from the Congolese authorities. Thought to have been spreading under the radar for weeks, the DRC officially detected the latest outbreak in mid-May, with nearly 3,400 people killed in its 17th epidemic of the highly infectious virus. A…
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is experiencing its worst-ever Ebola outbreak, with more than 7,000 recorded cases and nearly 3,400 fatalities, according to figures from Congolese authorities. The disease, which typically spreads through contact with bodily fluids, was initially detected in mid-May in northeastern Ituri province.
It has since spread to conflict-ridden, remote eastern and northern regions where state presence is weak and health infrastructure is lacking. The epidemic expanded to a seventh province, South-Ubangi, which borders the Central African Republic and Congo-Brazzaville.
The outbreak has particularly alarmed parents and health workers in Ituri after being detected in schools following the return of students from summer holidays. With no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain causing this epidemic, several treatments and vaccines are currently being tested.
Written by urgent.news from Dawn's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 2 other outlets
- DR Congo Records over 7,000 Ebola Cases, Worst Ever thisdaylive.com
- Worst DR Congo Ebola epidemic ever passes 7,000 cases brecorder.com
