DRC Ebola outbreak passes 7,000 cases as officials see signs of slowdown

More than 7,000 Ebola cases have been recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo in what authorities describe as the country’s worst outbreak of the disease, although officials say recent indicators suggest transmission may have peaked.

According to figures reported by Africanews, citing Congolese authorities, 7,022 cases have been recorded since the outbreak was detected in mid-May. Of those, 3,398 people have died and 1,671 have recovered.

The epidemic began in the northeastern Ituri province and has since spread through remote eastern and northern areas where insecurity, weak state presence and limited health infrastructure have complicated the response. The virus was recently confirmed in a seventh province, South-Ubangi, which borders the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo.

Government spokesman Patrick Muyaya said the outbreak appeared to have reached its peak in the third week of August. Authorities say 10 of the 61 affected health zones have gone at least 21 days without recording a new case.

Concern remains high in Ituri, particularly after Ebola was detected in schools following the return to classes. Schools in Bunia have introduced measures including mandatory handwashing, reduced class sizes and awareness campaigns aimed at limiting physical contact among pupils.

The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment specifically for that strain, although several vaccines and treatments are being tested.

Source: Africanews

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