Ebola Deaths in DR Congo Pass 5,000
Government data shows more than 10,300 confirmed cases across eight provinces. Cases have also been confirmed in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda.
More than 5,000 people have died in the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to government data. Eight of the country's 26 provinces are affected. Confirmed cases exceed 10,300, and the case fatality rate is 48.6%.
The outbreak began in May. It became the deadliest in the country's history in August. The UN says it is the 17th outbreak in DR Congo and the second largest ever. The previous worst in the country killed 2,299 people between 2018 and 2020. The largest, in West Africa from 2014 to 2016, killed more than 11,325. The UN says the current outbreak is "taking lives at a much faster rate".
The health ministry says the epicentre remains Ituri province in the north-east. It is a conflict zone, which makes containment harder.
Spread and strain
Bundibugyo is the species behind the outbreak. There is no treatment or vaccine for it yet. Testing and treatment are under way, along with clinical trials of vaccines. The WHO office in Africa calls for a "continued scale-up of key control measures, greater access to affected areas, and community outreach".
Ebola spreads between people through contact with the blood, vomit or other body fluids of someone infected. Symptoms appear suddenly, and as the illness advances, vomiting and diarrhoea can set in and organs can fail. Only some patients develop bleeding, which may be internal or external.
Uganda recorded two deaths and 20 cases soon after the outbreak began, with none since August. Travel restrictions remain for those crossing from DR Congo. Kenya has nine confirmed cases and two deaths. Nigeria identified two suspected cases on Saturday, and the individuals are isolated and being tested. Earlier in October one woman was confirmed there and flown to Switzerland for treatment. The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control rates the likelihood of infection in Europe as "very low".
Attacks on responders
Health workers have been targeted. Earlier this week a nurse was killed and another worker seriously injured when responding to an Ebola alert. Local youths had accused them of contaminating water sources, according to UN-backed Radio Okapi. Last month a politician was beaten to death after promoting anti-Ebola measures. In August the Red Cross reported 11 violent incidents, with volunteers hurt and an ambulance set on fire.
Source: BBC News