The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to intensify, with authorities confirming at least 1,077 suspected cases, according to the latest figures released by health officials in Kinshasa.
The Ebola outbreak has so far recorded 121 laboratory-confirmed infections, including 17 deaths among confirmed cases. Health authorities warn that the real death toll is likely higher due to delays in diagnosis and limited reporting from affected areas.
WHO warns of wider spread
The World Health Organization (WHO) says the scale of the Ebola outbreak may be significantly underestimated. Officials note that the outbreak in Ituri province was detected weeks after it began, while ongoing conflict in the region continues to hinder surveillance and response efforts.
Health experts also warn that not all suspected cases are being reported, raising concerns that the Ebola outbreak could be more widespread than current data suggests.
Uganda tightens border controls
Neighbouring Uganda has confirmed seven linked cases and one death connected to the Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo.
In response, Ugandan authorities have closed border crossings for an initial period of one month. Exceptions apply only to health workers, humanitarian missions and essential food deliveries.
Travellers entering Uganda from DR Congo will face mandatory 21-day isolation under health surveillance measures.
International response intensifies
The United States has stated it will take all necessary steps to prevent any entry of Ebola cases into its territory. US officials have also indicated plans to establish a quarantine centre in Kenya for suspected cases, particularly American nationals travelling from affected regions.
Meanwhile, the WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is expected to arrive in DR Congo to assess the situation on the ground.
Virus characteristics and risks
The current Ebola outbreak is caused by the rarer Bundibugyo strain of the virus. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically targeting this variant.
Health experts warn that the strain may have a fatality rate of up to 50%, making containment efforts even more urgent.
Ebola spreads through close contact with infected individuals or bodily fluids and causes severe haemorrhagic fever.
Over the past 50 years, Ebola has killed at least 15,000 people across Africa, with mortality rates ranging between 25% and 90%, according to WHO data.
The deadliest recorded outbreak in DR Congo between 2018 and 2020 caused nearly 2,300 deaths out of 3,500 confirmed cases.
Source: CNA
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