New Ebola Death Raises Concern Over Wider Spread In DR Congo – Arise News

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo are raising concerns over wider Ebola transmission after a motorcycle taxi driver died from the virus in Bas-Uele, an area not previously affected by the current outbreak.

The development marks the spread of the outbreak to a sixth area after the victim travelled from Haut-Uele to Buta, the capital of Bas-Uele.

Jean-Jacques Muyembe, head of Congo’s National Institute for Biomedical Research, said the victim had travelled to Bas-Uele from Haut-Uele, where Ebola cases have already been recorded.

The man developed haemorrhagic symptoms in Buta before his death. A test conducted after his death confirmed that he was infected with Ebola.

Health authorities are particularly concerned about possible exposure because the victim visited several health facilities before his death. Other motorcycle taxi operators also attempted to retrieve his body, prompting police intervention.

Authorities are tracing people who may have come into contact with the victim as they assess the risk of further transmission in Bas-Uele.

The latest figures from the Congolese government show that the outbreak had recorded 4,566 confirmed cases and 2,128 deaths as of August 11, according to a situation update published on August 12.

The outbreak, declared on May 15, has become the second-largest Ebola outbreak on record by confirmed cases, behind the West African epidemic that lasted from 2014 to 2016.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a type of Ebola virus. Health authorities are continuing surveillance and contact tracing as they work to contain further transmission.

Goodness Anunobi

Follow us on: