The Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached 600 deaths, with new cases reported in previously unaffected provinces. According to the Congolese health ministry, suspected cases have now been recorded in the provinces of Tshopo and Haut-Uele, signaling the continued spread of the disease beyond the epicenter in Ituri.
Outbreak Details
A Congolese government report said two new cases were suspected in Kisangani, in Tshopo province. The total number of confirmed cases across the country has now reached 1,759. The Africa Centre for Disease Control said on Thursday that the latest outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on the continent.
The Congolese authorities declared a fresh Ebola outbreak on May 15, after the disease had been transmitting for weeks without official detection, according to the World Health Organization. The latest outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Clinical trials for treatment began after researchers launched a highly anticipated study in the hope of fighting the virus. Efforts to contain the virus have also been hampered by a funding gap, attacks on health centers, and an ongoing conflict in eastern Congo, the epicenter of the outbreak.
Original reporting: Texarkana Gazette — read the source article.
