Ebola in DR Congo remains ‘extremely serious’: Africa CDC

Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention warned Wednesday that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo remains “extremely serious” as the death toll surpassed 3,000, with transmission continuing across six provinces since the virus was first detected in May.

Outbreak spans six provinces

At least 3,009 people have died from 6,206 confirmed cases since the outbreak began on May 15, according to the Africa CDC. The virus has expanded from one province and two health zones to 60 health zones across six provinces — an area of approximately 240,000 square kilometers comparable to the size of the United Kingdom.

“Despite the considerable efforts of the government and partners, we are not yet where we need to be,” Director-General Jean Kaseya said in a post on social media. “We will not relent until this outbreak is brought under control,” he added, noting that Africa CDC is working with the World Health Organization to support the government’s response.

WHO issues vaccine guidance

The World Health Organization on Wednesday issued new emergency guidance on the use of licensed Ebola vaccines during Bundibugyo virus disease outbreaks, stating that evidence remains insufficient to support the programmatic use of the Ervebo vaccine. The Health Ministry said 1,409 people have recovered while 830 patients remain in isolation or hospital across Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Bas-Uele and Tshopo provinces.