Congo Ebola outbreak surpasses 10,000 confirmed cases
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 10,000 confirmed cases, with 4,887 deaths since it began in May, according to figures released Tuesday by the country’s health authorities.
The 10,060 confirmed infections make this Congo’s deadliest Ebola outbreak. Nearly half of those infected have died, while 2,684 people have recovered. The outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo species of the virus, for which no vaccine or treatment has been approved.
Cases linked to the outbreak have also been detected in Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria. Nigeria’s only confirmed patient, a 42-year-old Swiss woman who had travelled to Uganda, was evacuated to Geneva for treatment. Nigerian authorities identified 53 contacts for monitoring. Uganda, which was declared Ebola-free in August after recording 20 cases and two deaths, has restricted non-essential travel to and from Congo …