WHO Says Suspected Ebola Cases in DR Congo Surpass 900 Amid Growing Outbreak
By Ruth sang
The number of suspected Ebola infections in Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 900 as health authorities intensify surveillance efforts in response to the growing outbreak, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said more than 900 suspected cases had so far been identified, including 101 confirmed infections.
“As surveillance efforts have been scaled up in the DRC Ebola response, more than 900 suspected cases have been identified so far, including 101 confirmed cases,” Tedros said in a statement shared on social media on Sunday.
The WHO chief did not provide an updated death toll in his latest remarks.
Ebola is a highly dangerous viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and can lead to severe bleeding, organ failure and death.
The outbreak, declared on May 15, is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
In its latest update issued on Saturday, the DR Congo Health Ministry reported that 204 deaths had been recorded across three provinces from 867 suspected cases.
The latest outbreak comes as health authorities continue efforts to contain the spread of the virus in conflict-affected regions of the country.
According to WHO data, Ebola outbreaks across Africa have claimed more than 15,000 lives over the last five decades.
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