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Eastern Congo Ebola Outbreak Reaches 1,003 Confirmed Cases and 254 Deaths
Confirmed Ebola cases in eastern Congo reached 1,003 as of late Sunday, including 254 deaths, the Ministry of Health said. The outbreak, declared May 15 in Ituri province, is caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain.
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Confirmed cases in the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo reached 1,003 as of late Sunday, including 254 deaths, Congo’s Ministry of Health said in a statement. The total marks the first time the outbreak has exceeded 1,000 confirmed infections since it was declared on May 15. A total of 100 people have recovered, while at least 365 patients remain in hospitals or isolation.
The outbreak is concentrated in Ituri province and is caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, which has no approved vaccines or treatments. Contact tracing has reached only 55 percent coverage. More than 35,000 people who came into contact with infected individuals still require tracing, officials said.
Authorities have not identified the outbreak’s patient zero. The Associated Press reported that ongoing violence by the Allied Democratic Force has hindered access to villages in Ituri province and displaced residents. Vanisa Anifa, a six-month-old orphaned girl, died of Ebola and was buried Friday in Bunia.
Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya stated last week that officials lack confidence on when the outbreak began because the index case remains unknown.
