WHO warns of intensifying Ebola outbreak in DR Congo as cases spread to five provinces
The WHO reports that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded to 49 health zones across five provinces, with over 3,600 confirmed cases. The agency warns of an 'exceptional pace' of spread despite intensified international response efforts.
Why it matters
The rapid expansion of a deadly viral outbreak poses a significant threat to regional stability and global public health security.
As of July 30, the DRC had reported 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths (file photo) | Photo Credit: ARLETTE BASHIZI
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is spreading at an “exceptional pace,” with the number of infections and deaths continuing to rise despite an intensified international response.
In its latest Disease Outbreak News released on Friday, the WHO stated that the outbreak, which was initially confined to the Mongbwalu health zone in Ituri province, has spread over the past two months to 49 health zones across five provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, and Tshopo.
Ebola virus disease is a rare, severe, and often deadly illness caused by orthoebolaviruses (formerly ebolavirus) that leads to viral haemorrhagic fever. It spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids and primarily occurs in sub-Saharan Africa.
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