Africa's top health body warns Congo’s Ebola outbreak is rapidly spreading beyond epicenter - ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos
The Africa CDC reports that the Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading rapidly beyond its epicenter in Ituri province. Health officials warn the situation is worsening due to regional conflict and displacement.
Why it matters
The potential for this outbreak to surpass previous records poses a significant threat to regional stability and global public health.
KINSHASA, Congo -- The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record in eastern Congo is rapidly spreading beyond its epicenter, Africa’s top health body said Thursday.
In recent weeks, new cases and deaths have declined in Ituri province, the outbreak’s epicenter, but risen sharply in neighboring North Kivu and Haut-Uele, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said at a weekly briefing.
According to the latest government figures released on Thursday, 6,843 cases have been reported, including 3,310 deaths. Ituri province remains the hardest-hit province, with more than 5,400 cases while North Kivu has reported over 1,000 cases since the outbreak was declared in May.
The outbreak in eastern Congo is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike and intense population movements . The situation is particularly concerning at displacement sites, where residents already live in extremely precarious conditions.
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