The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 11,000, with government data showing 11,042 infections and 5,387 deaths. The outbreak, which began in May, has become one of Africa's largest public health emergencies.
It is caused by the rare Bundibugyo species of the virus, for which there are no approved treatments or vaccines. It is now the second-largest outbreak on record, behind the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic, which infected more than 28,600 people and killed more than 11,000.
Ituri remains the worst-hit province, with 7,654 cases and 3,613 deaths, according to the CDC, while North Kivu has recorded 2,720 cases and 1,488 deaths. Eight of Congo's 26 provinces are affected, and many deaths have occurred outside treatment centres because of delayed detection and strained health services.
The response has also been hampered by operational problems. Workers at an Ebola treatment centre in Ituri downed tools over four months of unpaid wages, while an elected official in Beni blamed rising cases on a shortage of fuel and funds from the central government.
The threat now extends beyond Congo's borders. Cases have been reported in East, Central and West Africa, giving this outbreak the widest geographic spread of any Ebola outbreak on the continent. Kenya had confirmed eight cases and two deaths by late October, while Nigeria's only confirmed case was evacuated to Switzerland.
There are some signs of progress. The World Health Organization has approved trials for two new Ebola vaccines, and a vaccine trial has begun in Congo.
The reported deaths represent about 49 percent of confirmed cases, although the figure may change as authorities identify more infections and reconcile records. With the virus spreading across borders and no approved vaccine or treatment, sustained funding, reliable payment of health workers and strong regional coordination will be critical to bringing the outbreak under control.
Source:https://www.standardmedia.co.ke/africa/article/2001562019/ebola-cases-surpass-11000-as-death-toll-exceeds-5300-in-congo
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