Summary WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a social media statement on Sunday that 101 cases had so far been confirmed out of more than 900 suspected infections
GENEVA (AFP) – The World Health Organisation has said that more than 900 suspected Ebola cases have been identified in the conflict-affected Democratic Republic of the Congo as health authorities intensify surveillance efforts to contain the outbreak.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said in a social media statement on Sunday that 101 cases had so far been confirmed out of more than 900 suspected infections. He did not provide an updated death toll.
The Congolese health ministry said in its latest update that at least 204 deaths had been recorded across three provinces from 867 suspected cases since the outbreak was declared on May 15.
According to health officials, the outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment available.
Ebola is a highly dangerous viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. The illness can cause severe bleeding, organ failure and, in many cases, death if not treated quickly.
Medical teams and international aid agencies are continuing response operations in affected areas, although ongoing conflict and instability in parts of eastern Congo are making containment efforts more difficult.
The WHO has warned that rapid detection, isolation of patients and community awareness remain critical to preventing the virus from spreading further.
Over the past five decades, Ebola outbreaks across Africa have claimed more than 15,000 lives, making it one of the continent’s deadliest recurring public health threats.
