Ebola Outbreak Escalates in DR Congo: Virus Spreads to Five Provinces as Caseload Approaches 1,900

Kinshasa: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported Ebola cases in five provinces, with the nationwide tally rising to 1,873 confirmed cases, including 672 deaths, according to a report released by the country’s health authorities.

The report, released on Sunday (local time) and covering data through Friday, listed Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo as affected provinces. Haut-Uele and Tshopo were included in the national situation report for the first time, Xinhua news agency reported.

Investigations indicate that the cases detected in the two provinces were epidemiologically linked to the outbreak’s epicentre in Ituri province through contacts and population movements.

The report said 763 patients were in isolation or receiving hospital treatment, while the overall bed occupancy rate at treatment facilities stood at 95.1 per cent. A total of 306 people have recovered, while 299 suspected cases, including 91 deaths, have been recorded.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, was declared on May 15.

Earlier on Saturday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said that the confirmed infection of a US humanitarian worker supporting the ongoing Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak response in the DRC has added critical urgency to the protection of health responders.

The Africa CDC said in a press statement issued on Saturday that health workers, humanitarian personnel, volunteers, and operational staff are “sustaining the response under intense pressure,” identifying cases, caring for patients, and protecting affected communities in order to contain transmission.

It said the relevant authorities and the response team have launched an epidemiological investigation, contact tracing, and exposure risk assessments concerning the US humanitarian worker, while highlighting that the exact circumstances of the exposure remain under investigation.

At least 112 healthcare workers have been infected with the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, while some 35 have lost their lives in the DRC, according to the latest data from the African Union’s specialised public health agency.

Related Stories

AI Asymmetry Poses Critical Threat to BFSI Sector Hyderabad police officer’s wife found dead at home; probe underway Venezuela Earthquake: Death Toll Rises to 4,490; Widespread Housing Reconstruction Efforts Underway Security upgrade planned for Lafayette Park with proposed permanent fence near White House