Ebola in the Congo is getting out of control – WHO warns of a record number of victims
The Ebola outbreak in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo could surpass the deadliest outbreak of the disease in history in terms of fatalities, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said on August 12. Associated Press reported this, UNN writes.
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According to the WHO chief, the current rate of disease spread risks surpassing the figures from the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa, which claimed the lives of more than 11,000 people.
At the current rate, it is on track to overshadow the Ebola outbreak in West Africa from 2014–2016
The current outbreak in the eastern part of the Congo is considered one of the fastest-spreading outbreaks. More than 4,300 cases have been recorded, of which more than 2,000 have ended in death. The outbreak was officially declared on May 15, but subsequent genetic sequencing showed that it had begun as early as February.
The outbreak is spreading faster than it can be contained
The situation is complicated by the fact that the outbreak was caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.
More than 2,000 Ebola deaths recorded in Congo11.08.26, 11:00 • 3506 views
Most new cases and deaths are being recorded in communities that are difficult for medical workers to reach. The region has weak infrastructure and inadequately equipped medical centers, while some medical workers are on strike over pay-related problems.
The spread of misinformation about the virus is also hindering efforts to combat the outbreak. Because of distrust of outsiders and fear of the disease, some people do not seek medical care.
The outbreak had a significant head start, is still far ahead of us, and we are trying to catch up
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