Congo Reports 867 Suspected Ebola Cases and 204 Deaths

Congolese government figures released on Saturday show 867 suspected Ebola cases and 204 deaths since the outbreak was declared on May 15. Cases have appeared across an area larger than Florida, and Uganda has recorded five confirmed infections. The World Health Organization raised its national risk assessment to "very high" on Friday.

A WHO official told reporters the potential for rapid spread is high.

The first known case involved a nurse who developed symptoms on April 24 in Bunia, Ituri province. An internal health ministry report states the nurse was buried in the gold-mining town of Mongbwalu, where unexplained deaths, including four health workers in one week, occurred throughout April.

The report noted widespread panic fueled by rumors of supernatural causes. Three Red Cross volunteers died after handling suspected infected bodies. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of the virus, which is less studied than the Zaire species that has driven most of Congo's 17 prior outbreaks since 1979.

Aid workers have begun setting up treatment centers in eastern Congo. Congo's Health Minister stated that U.S. aid cuts are complicating the response and called for increased funding. The minister told reporters the virus knows no borders, race, or tribe.

Congo ranks among the five poorest countries, with more than 80 percent of people living on $3 a day or less. Eastern Congo faces additional obstacles from armed groups and poor road infrastructure. Ituri province experiences regular attacks by groups such as Codeco and the Islamic State-aligned ADF.

Mining towns like Mongbwalu and Rwampara have limited sanitation and few outsiders. Health responders report mixed community reactions, including two attacks on clinics in the past week. Officials have also confirmed cases in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, areas partly controlled by Rwanda-backed M23 rebels.

Uganda has halted flights to and from Congo and restricted land border crossings after three additional cases, including Ugandan nationals, were recorded over the weekend.