Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has confirmed 1,708 Ebola infections and 580 deaths since the latest outbreak was declared, as health authorities continue efforts to contain the spread of the deadly virus.
Gatekeepers News reports that the country’s health ministry said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, remains a major public health emergency.
According to the latest figures, 280 patients have recovered, while hundreds of others remain in treatment and isolation centres. The outbreak has been concentrated mainly in Ituri province, but cases have also been reported in neighbouring provinces, raising concerns about wider transmission.
Health officials said surveillance, contact tracing and treatment efforts have been intensified, while clinical trials for an experimental treatment are ongoing. The World Health Organization (WHO) has continued to support the response, although insecurity, population displacement and attacks on health facilities have complicated containment efforts.
The outbreak is regarded as one of the deadliest in the country’s recent history, with authorities urging residents to report suspected cases promptly and comply with public health measures to curb further spread of the disease.
