Ebola death toll in DR Congo surpasses 500
Summary
The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has passed 500, with over 1,500 confirmed cases. Health workers in the affected province have threatened to strike due to unpaid benefits, low wages, and poor working conditions.Key Facts
- At least 506 people have died and 1,561 Ebola cases confirmed in DR Congo as of early July.
- The outbreak was officially declared on May 15 and is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain with no approved vaccine or treatment.
- A clinical trial for two treatments and an emergency diagnostic test have recently begun.
- The outbreak started in Mongbwalu, Ituri province, where the death rate is over 50%.
- Health workers are threatening to strike over unpaid benefits, low pay, poor equipment, and working conditions.
- The virus has spread to areas near North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, with some controlled by the armed group M23.
- North Kivu has a mortality rate of 57.4%, higher than average and worrying to health officials.
- South Kivu has had no new cases since May 26, and M23-controlled areas claim the epidemic is over there.
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