DR Congo's Ebola outbreak toll hits 930 with 37 deaths in 24 hours
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached 930 deaths, with 37 fatalities occurring in a single 24-hour period. The situation is complicated by regional rebel violence, skepticism toward health workers, and a lack of effective vaccines for the specific virus strain involved.
Why it matters
The rapid spread of a highly contagious and fatal disease in a conflict zone presents a significant humanitarian and global health security challenge.
Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed at least 930 people, including 37 deaths in just 24 hours, the Health Ministry said Monday.
The deaths were recorded out of the 2,344 cases confirmed as of Saturday, the ministry added, in an outbreak that was declared in eastern Congo on May 15 and is the fastest-growing on record.
The Bundibugyo virus responsible for the outbreak is less common than others that cause Ebola disease and there is no approved vaccine or treatment.
Ebola is highly contagious and can be transmitted to people from wild animals. It spreads in the human population through contact with bodily fluids such as vomit, blood or semen, and with contaminated surfaces and materials such as bedding and clothing. The disease is rare but severe and often fatal.
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