Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Tops 2,400 Confirmed Cases

Kinshasa (ANTARA) - Confirmed Ebola cases reported in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) have risen to 2,423, including 967 deaths, according to the health authorities in their latest update.

The health authorities reported that 734 patients were still in quarantine or receiving treatment as of 19 July, whilst 469 people had recovered since the outbreak began. They also reported a new affected health zone, Adja, in Ituri Province, bringing the total to 47 across five provinces, 46 of which are still experiencing active transmission.

The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, was declared on 15 May and has spread to five provinces. Population movement, vulnerability, small-scale mining activity and cross-border exchange with Uganda and South Sudan continue to “facilitate” transmission.

As of 19 July, the outbreak had also infected 121 frontline health workers in Ituri Province, including 36 deaths.

Meanwhile, the DRC and Uganda are conducting a joint technical assessment of a mobile laboratory in Kasenyi near the border in order to strengthen cross-border surveillance.