WHO Lowers Suspected Ebola Cases in Congo to 116

The agency said many suspected cases were later identified as other illnesses or unrelated fevers. In total, 321 cases have been confirmed in Congo, with 48 deaths recorded. Uganda has reported nine confirmed cases and one death, bringing the regional total to 330 confirmed infections.

A spokesman stated that hundreds of suspected cases have been cleared after investigation. The reduced caseload may ease pressure on response teams, though medical workers say the outbreak likely began spreading earlier than initially detected.

Health workers in eastern Congo have reached only about one-quarter of people who came into contact with confirmed patients. Twenty percent of new positive cases involve healthcare workers, according to medics on the ground. Patients sometimes seek care from traditional healers instead of medical facilities, which can extend transmission.

The International Rescue Committee reported the outbreak may have started as early as January.

Survivor certificates were issued this week to some patients who recovered. Officials continue to monitor the situation while addressing gaps in early detection and community outreach.