Congo Ebola outbreak death toll reaches 930 as regional preparedness increases
6 verified1 unconfirmed
At least 930 people have died in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak, the country’s health ministry reported on Monday. The outbreak, declared on May 15, involves 2,344 confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists. It has been described as the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, and the World Health Organization has warned that the actual number of cases may be significantly higher than official figures due to undetected infections in conflict-affected areas. Neighboring countries, including Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia, have stepped up border screening, trained health workers and activated emergency plans to prevent cross-border spread. The outbreak is concentrated in eastern Congo, where ongoing violence and insecurity have complicated containment efforts and led to attacks on health facilities. Regional bodies such as the East African Community are coordinating with the Africa CDC and WHO to expand surveillance and response capacity.
What’s verified
At least 930 deaths and 2,344 confirmed cases have been reported in the Ebola outbreak declared on May 15.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment.
The outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, according to the Congolese health ministry.
The World Health Organization has expressed concern that many infections are going undetected in conflict-affected eastern Congo.
The outbreak is centered in eastern Congo, where rebel violence and insecurity have hampered response efforts.
Neighboring countries Uganda, Rwanda and Zambia have strengthened border screening and preparedness measures.
Not yet confirmed
Single-source reports indicate that 37 new deaths were recorded in a 24-hour span, that at least 12 attacks on health facilities have occurred, and that 36 health workers have died from the virus. One source stated that 724 patients are currently in isolation and that a funding gap of more than $400 million exists for the WHO-Africa CDC response plan. Another source reported that the WHO director-general described the outbreak as the third largest Ebola outbreak on record. It remains unclear exactly how many cases are going undetected and whether any neighboring country has confirmed a linked case.
Key figures
Dr. Naeem Dalal, assistant director for preparedness and response, Zambia National Public Health Institute
Dr. Beda Senkware, Kabale Referral Hospital, Uganda
Stephen Mbundi, Secretary General of the East African Community
Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, Director-General of the World Health Organization
Jean Kaseya, Director-General of the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention
Professor Aileen Marty, infectious disease specialist, Florida International University
