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Death toll from Congo's Ebola outbreak reaches 600
AP News • • health
Key Points:
- The death toll from Congo's latest Ebola outbreak has reached 600, with suspected new cases reported in previously unaffected provinces Tshopo and Haut-Uele, indicating the disease's spread beyond the initial epicenter in Ituri.
- The total confirmed Ebola cases in the country have risen to 1,759, with some suspected cases in Tshopo linked to known outbreak zones, while others have no clear connection, prompting ongoing investigations.
- The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in Africa and lacks approved vaccines or treatments, though clinical trials for potential treatments have recently begun.
- Efforts to control the outbreak face challenges including funding shortages, attacks on health facilities, and ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, complicating containment measures.
