Ebola cases in Congo top 11,000 in deadliest outbreak of the disease there
Nearly half of those infected, 5,387 people, have died, and the Bundibugyo strain has no known vaccine or treatment.
Congo's government said Wednesday that its Ebola outbreak has passed 11,000 cases. Health ministry data showed 11,042 people infected and 5,387 deaths, making it the deadliest outbreak in the country's history. The outbreak was declared in mid-May. Authorities have struggled to contain it because of armed conflict, a weak health system, poor roads, and violence from residents who distrust health workers or believe misinformation. The virus has spread to eight of Congo's 26 provinces. Health officials have called for a halt to fighting in Ituri and North Kivu provinces so health workers can reach the sick. Attacks on health facilities and workers have occurred, and the virus has spread to Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria.
The 2014 to 2016 West Africa outbreak remains the largest and deadliest on record, with about 28,000 infections and more than 11,000 deaths. Experts have urged more effort to slow the current spread.
Key points
- Congo reports 11,042 Ebola cases and 5,387 deaths.
- The outbreak has spread to eight of 26 provinces.
- No known vaccine or treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain.
- Violence and distrust are hampering containment efforts.
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Summarized with AI from the sources above and reviewed before publishing.
