Ebola outbreak spreads to 61 health zones in DR Congo — WHO
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, an outbreak of Ebola virus disease has spread to 61 health zones in six provinces. The World Health Organization reported the emergence of cases in the Kaina health zone in North Kivu province, Premium Times Nigeria reports.
Affected provinces
The WHO classified Bas-Uele, Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tshopo as affected provinces. According to the organization, transmission patterns differ across areas, but some health zones are recording a sustained increase in cases and the geographical spread of the disease despite response measures.
Among the main challenges, the WHO cited delayed detection of patients, which increases the risk of further transmission in households, communities and healthcare facilities. The response is also complicated by limited access to early treatment and difficulties in interrupting chains of virus transmission.
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Number of cases and response
As of September 7, 6,757 confirmed cases of Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus had been registered in the DR Congo, including 3,267 deaths. According to the WHO, the crude case fatality ratio was 48.3%.
Less than a month ago, the WHO described this outbreak as the second largest in recorded history: at that time, there were 4,449 confirmed cases in 53 health zones across five provinces. The organization also reported that a significant share of cases was detected in communities rather than treatment centers, and outside known contact lists. This indicated that some transmission chains remained unidentified.
Response measures include contact tracing, treatment centers, safe burials, laboratory work and engagement with communities. The WHO stressed the need to strengthen surveillance, rapid response and early treatment, primarily in affected communities and healthcare facilities. There is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved against this strain of the virus for Ebola virus disease caused by the Bundibugyo virus.
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