Congo Ebola Cases Near 600 Amid Growing Health Crisis
Reuters
Congo: The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported a sharp rise in Ebola infections, with confirmed cases nearing 600 as health officials intensify efforts to contain one of the country’s largest outbreaks in recent years.
In a statement posted Tuesday, the Congolese government said confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola had climbed to 598, including 115 deaths. Authorities also confirmed that 22 patients had recovered from the disease.
The outbreak was officially declared on May 15, but officials later acknowledged the virus had likely been circulating undetected for several weeks before detection, allowing infections to spread rapidly across multiple regions.
Most cases have been concentrated in the conflict-affected eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. According to the government, infections have now been recorded in 17 health zones in Ituri, seven in North Kivu and one in South Kivu.
Read More: https://thepenpk.com/why-is-the-new-ebola-outbreak-raising-global-alarm/
Despite the rising numbers, officials said newly reported infections had not expanded into additional health zones, offering a limited sign of containment.
Health authorities urged residents to immediately seek medical attention if they experience symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea or severe weakness. The government also appealed to communities to cooperate with medical teams and avoid attacks on health workers.
Response efforts have faced major obstacles due to insecurity, misinformation and public mistrust. Aid groups and medical workers have reported attacks on burial teams and treatment centers, complicating attempts to isolate cases and slow transmission.
Doctors and humanitarian organizations say shortages of protective equipment and medical supplies are further hampering efforts to contain the outbreak.
The International Rescue Committee on Tuesday called for urgent international funding to strengthen containment operations in Ituri province before the virus spreads further across the region.
