Ebola outbreak in DRC surpasses 200 deaths, Africa CDC reports
via SeneNews2 min read
The Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo DRC has resulted in over 200 confirmed deaths, just over a month after its declaration in the northeastern part of the country. According to Africa CDC, the African Union's health agency, laboratory tests have confirmed 875 cases and 202 deaths in the DRC since the outbreak was declared on May 15, indicating a 23% mortality rate. Additionally, 19 cases, including two fatalities, have been confirmed in neighboring Uganda. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no specific vaccine or treatment. The epicenter of this 17th outbreak in the DRC is in Ituri province, a region difficult to access due to poor road conditions and insecurity from armed groups. Wessam Mankoula, Africa CDC's Head of Emergency Response, expressed concern about the low detection of contact cases in the DRC, citing security issues and accessibility challenges in certain areas. NGOs on the ground have also raised concerns about significant shortcomings in the organization of the health response. The Africa CDC had previously stated on June 11 that the epidemic was "under control" in Uganda. The World Health Organization WHO has issued an international health alert, assessing the public health risk as very high in the DRC, high regionally, and low globally. Ebola, transmitted through close contact and bodily fluids, has claimed over 15,000 lives in Africa over the past 50 years.
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