Estimated DR Congo Ebola death toll rises sharply to at least 131
Summary
The death toll from an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen to an estimated 131 people out of 513 suspected cases. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has called the outbreak a Continental Public Health Emergency, allowing them to provide more resources to fight the virus, which is spreading across provinces and near neighboring countries.Key Facts
- At least 131 people have died, and 513 cases are suspected in the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC.
- The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which no vaccine or treatment currently exists.
- The epidemic started in Ituri province, a gold-mining region bordering Uganda and South Sudan.
- The virus has spread to other provinces and near the borders of Rwanda and South Sudan.
- Africa CDC declared a continental emergency to support more response teams and tracking efforts.
- Population movements, mining activity, weak infection control, and insecurity increase the risk of spread.
- Some local communities initially thought the disease was mystical, which delayed medical treatment.
- The World Health Organization has declared this outbreak an international health emergency.
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