Ebola outbreak in Africa exceeds 10,000 confirmed cases, mostly in DRC

The Democratic Republic of Congo's health authorities said Tuesday that the latest Ebola outbreak in Africa has reached 10,060 confirmed infections and 4,887 deaths since the virus was first detected in May. The majority of cases are concentrated in the DRC, which has recorded the largest number of infections in its history.

The World Health Organization noted that the epidemic now spans eastern, western and central regions of the continent, describing the containment effort as "complex." Cases have also been identified in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. Kenya reported its first infections on October 6, resulting in two deaths. Uganda, after recording 20 cases and two deaths, was declared Ebola-free by the WHO in late August.

Nigeria confirmed a single case involving a Swiss woman who contracted the virus during a trip to Uganda. She was evacuated to Switzerland, and Nigerian authorities have identified 53 contacts to prevent further spread. The WHO reported that the patient developed symptoms on October 7, sought care in Abuja on October 11 and tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain on October 20.

Health officials highlighted the lack of approved vaccines or treatments for the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, complicating response efforts across the affected countries.