Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo Spreads to New Areas, Reaching 60 Health Zones
In the Ebola outbreak spreading in eastern Congo, the number of confirmed cases has risen to 5,794, and the death toll has reached 2,786. With the virus spreading to new areas in North Kivu province, the number of affected areas has reached 60.
The Ebola outbreak, which is intensifying in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo, has spread to two new health zones in North Kivu province, now affecting a total of 60 areas.
Case Numbers and Death Rates Are Rising
According to official health data, 5,794 confirmed cases have been recorded in the outbreak so far, while 2,786 people have lost their lives. While the overall mortality rate was reported as 48 percent, this rate approached 69 percent in North Kivu province due to delayed response efforts.
The World Health Organization announced that the outbreak has not been brought under control and carries the risk of surpassing the 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa, which caused the deaths of more than 11,000 people.
New Measures and Vaccination Efforts in North Kivu
Doctors Without Borders opened a new treatment center in the city of Beni in North Kivu, one of the areas hardest hit by the outbreak. The new center aims to strengthen rapid treatment of patients and contact tracing.
The Ministry of Health has begun administering the Ervebo vaccine, which is effective against the Zaire strain, to healthcare workers. Since there is no licensed vaccine against the rare Bundibugyo virus causing the current outbreak, clinical trials are ongoing.
Regional Spread Risk Continues
The outbreak, spreading under challenging conditions such as insecurity, population movements, and healthcare worker strikes, also poses a threat to neighboring countries. While Uganda reported being Ebola-free last month, the Central African Republic and South Sudan are listed among the countries at the highest risk of spread.