Cases and Deaths Rise in Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo
The World Health Organization announced that the number of cases in the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has exceeded 6,000, and the death toll has reached 3,000.
Speaking at the UN Office at Geneva, World Health Organization officials reported that the Ebola outbreak affecting the Democratic Republic of the Congo has spread over a wide geography and that the loss of life has reached 3,000.
Spread Area and Epicenter of the Outbreak
It was officially announced that the Ebola outbreak currently affects a total of 60 health zones across six provinces and has spread over a wide geography.
It was stated that the epicenter of the outbreak is Ituri province, where 85% of cases and 88% of deaths have been observed.
Deaths Outside Treatment Centers
It was emphasized that the fact that a large portion of deaths occur outside treatment centers constitutes a serious source of concern.
It was noted that the existence of unknown transmission chains causes the outbreak to continue without slowing down.
Emergency Aid Sent to the Region
It was conveyed that in addition to the Ebola outbreak, conflicts, displacement, poverty, and hunger also threaten public health.
It was announced that the World Health Organization, working in partnership with the local government and other organizations, has sent more than 330 tons of emergency supplies and over 300 experts to the region.
New Vaccine Studies and Trials
It was stated that two new vaccines developed against the Bundibugyo virus have passed safety trials in the UK and Canada.
The usability of all three vaccines will be evaluated through efficacy trials starting in October or November in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.