DR Congo Ebola outbreak surpasses 10,000 confirmed cases
The Ebola outbreak centred in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 10,000 confirmed cases, with 4,887 deaths since it was detected in May, according to figures released by Congolese health authorities. The data showed 10,060 infections and 2,684 recoveries, with nearly half of confirmed patients dying.
The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine or treatment has been approved. It has expanded from three health zones to 66 across eight Congolese provinces, while cases have also been detected in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. Uganda was declared Ebola-free in August after recording 20 cases and two deaths, while health authorities are monitoring contacts linked to an imported Nigerian case whose patient was evacuated to Switzerland.
Containment efforts in Congo have been hindered by armed conflict, poor roads, unpaid health workers and distrust fuelled …