Ebola death rate exceeds 50% in DR Congo as US tightens travel restrictions

The Ebola death rate among confirmed cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has exceeded 50%, according to Nairametrics. Adom Online reports the case fatality rate is 48.6%, noting that more than 5,000 people have died from the outbreak. The epidemic, which began in May, has infected more than 10,000 people and affected eight of the country's 26 provinces. Adom Online reports the epicentre remains in the north-east Ituri province, where conflict has made containment difficult.

This outbreak involves the Bundibugyo species, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments, according to MyJoyOnline Ghana and Adom Online. MyJoyOnline Ghana reports that delayed detection, conflict, and strained health services have contributed to the virus spreading faster than in previous outbreaks. Cases have also been confirmed in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda.

The current situation is the world's second-largest Ebola outbreak, following the 2014-2016 epidemic in West Africa. Adom Online notes this is the 17th outbreak in the history of the DR Congo. While testing and treatment are underway, the World Health Organization's Africa office stated that the outbreak requires a continued scale-up of community outreach and greater access to affected areas.

Brief written by urgent.news from Nairametrics, MyJoyOnline Ghana, Adom Online — 3 reports on this story. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.