The death toll from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 5,000, health officials say.
The disease has now reached eight of the country’s 26 provinces. Confirmed cases exceed 10,300. Authorities have described this as the deadliest outbreak in the country’s history.
The current case fatality rate stands at about 48.6 per cent. The outbreak is concentrated in the Ituri province in the northeast, an area affected by internal conflict that has complicated efforts to control the virus.
Cases have also been reported in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. The World Health Organization’s Africa office has called for stronger control measures, better access to affected areas and increased public awareness.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which no vaccine or specific treatment is currently available. It began earlier this year and has continued to expand despite response efforts.
Health teams continue to work in difficult conditions as the outbreak remains active.
