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At least 930 people have died in Congo's Ebola outbreak
AP News • • health
Key Points:
- At least 930 people have died in Congo’s Ebola outbreak, with 37 new deaths recorded in a 24-hour period, out of 2,344 confirmed cases as of Saturday.
- The outbreak, declared on May 15 in eastern Congo, is the fastest-growing on record and is caused by the less common Bundibugyo virus, for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists.
- The response is hampered by security issues in the Ituri province, including 12 attacks on health facilities and teams, fueled by skepticism and rumors, alongside protests by unpaid health workers.
- The World Health Organization noted that 80% of new cases are from unknown transmission chains, indicating the outbreak is spreading faster than it can be tracked despite intensified efforts.
- Currently, 724 patients are in isolation or hospitals, with ongoing efforts to improve patient care and support, resulting in 22 new recoveries in the past 24 hours.
