Congo’s Ebola outbreak rises to 100 deaths out of 550 cases as conflict slows response
BUNIA: At least 100 people have died from Ebola less than a month after authorities declared an outbreak of the disease in eastern Congo, authorities said.
Attacks on health workers from angry residents, skepticism among some locals and armed conflict in hot spots continue to challenge efforts to stop the outbreak declared on May 15.
Out of the 550 cases of the disease confirmed as of Sunday, there have been 101 deaths and 19 recoveries, according to the latest situation report late Monday. The outbreak is concentrated in Congo’s eastern province of Ituri, which accounts for more than 90 percent of the cases. Cases have also been recorded in the North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, and has spread across the border to Uganda.
The number of cases in Congo is believed to be higher because the outbreak was confirmed weeks late, and the response has been challenging also because the virus has no approved vaccine or treatment.
