More than 5,000 people die in DR Congo Ebola outbreak
The epidemic has affected eight provinces and resulted in over 10,300 confirmed cases, according to government data.
More than 5,000 people have died during an ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to government data reported by BBC News. The outbreak, which began in May, became the country's deadliest in August. Public health officials stated that the current case fatality rate is 48.6 per cent.
The health ministry said the epicentre remains in the north-east Ituri province, which is a conflict zone. This makes containing the virus more difficult. The United Nations said this is the 17th outbreak in the country's history and the second largest.
The Bundibugyo species is responsible for the outbreak, though there is currently no treatment or vaccine for this strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) office in Africa said that ending the outbreak requires increased community outreach, greater access to affected areas, and a scale-up of control measures.
The United Nations warned that lives are being lost more quickly during this current outbreak. A previous deadly outbreak in the country recorded 2,299 deaths between 2018 and 2020.
Violence has complicated response efforts, with some health workers and a politician facing attacks. Radio Okapi reported that local youths accused health workers of spreading the virus by contaminating water. Last month, a politician was beaten to death after promoting Ebola prevention measures.
In neighbouring countries, Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths. Nigeria identified two suspected cases on Saturday, and Uganda reported 20 cases and two deaths shortly after the outbreak started, though no cases have been reported there since August.