Congo Ebola outbreak surpasses 11,000 infections
Health ministry data show the virus has infected 11,042 people and killed 5,387, highlighting the deadliest outbreak in the country’s history.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s health ministry reported Wednesday that the ongoing Ebola outbreak has infected 11,042 people and claimed 5,387 lives, nearly half of those infected. The outbreak, first declared in mid-May, has spread to eight of the nation’s 26 provinces, with Ituri and North Kivu provinces identified as major hotspots.
Authorities said the spread has been aggravated by armed conflict, a strained health system, poor road infrastructure and community mistrust fueled by misinformation. Violence against health facilities and workers has been reported, prompting officials to call for an end to fighting so that medical teams can reach patients safely.
The virus responsible, a strain of Bundibugyo Ebola, currently has no known vaccine or specific treatment. Experts urged intensified containment efforts as the disease has also been detected in neighboring African countries, including Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria.
The current crisis ranks as the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the Congo and the second-largest globally, surpassing previous outbreaks in the region.