WHO Says DR Congo Faces Largest Ebola Outbreak on Record
More than 3,600 confirmed Ebola cases and 1,587 deaths have been reported as the outbreak spreads across five provinces, with health workers increasingly affected.
More than 3,600 confirmed Ebola cases and 1,587 deaths have been reported as the outbreak spreads across five provinces, with health workers increasingly affected.
KINSHASA — The World Health Organization (WHO) said the ongoing Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has become the largest recorded in the country’s history, with 3,605 confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo strain.
According to the WHO report released on Saturday, Aug. 1, the outbreak has resulted in 1,587 deaths, representing a case fatality rate of approximately 44%.
The number of confirmed infections has surpassed the country’s previous largest Ebola outbreak between 2018 and 2020, when 3,317 cases were reported.
The current outbreak was initially concentrated in the Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri province but has spread rapidly over the past two months.
WHO said infections have now been reported across 49 health zones in five provinces Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo.
Health workers have also been increasingly affected, with 151 medical personnel infected and 44 deaths reported among healthcare workers.
The figures have raised concerns over gaps in infection prevention and control measures within healthcare facilities.
WHO warned that insecurity, population displacement, high levels of movement and cross-border travel are complicating efforts to monitor and contain the outbreak.
Many of the affected areas are also experiencing ongoing conflict, limiting access to healthcare services, clean water, food and adequate shelter.
Attacks on healthcare facilities have further restricted access for emergency response teams and increased the possibility of infections spreading without being detected, according to the agency.
The deteriorating security situation has made surveillance and contact tracing particularly challenging in communities where people frequently move between affected areas and across provincial or international borders.
WHO said urgent measures are needed to strengthen disease surveillance, laboratory testing, clinical care, infection prevention and control, community engagement and logistics to contain the outbreak.
The growing number of infections among healthcare workers has also highlighted the need to reinforce protective measures inside hospitals and other medical facilities.
Health authorities and international agencies are working to identify cases more rapidly, strengthen infection control and improve access to treatment in affected communities.
WHO currently considers the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo to pose a very high risk, underscoring the need for intensified public health measures to prevent further transmission.
Source :
Articles in this category are written by our editorial team to keep you informed about the latest healthcare and medical tourism news.
