Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) have reported more than 5,000 deaths from the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, raising concerns about the continued spread of the disease.
According to a report released on Friday by the Presidential Taskforce on Ebola, the country has recorded 10,351 confirmed cases since the outbreak began, including 5,026 deaths.
Health officials also reported 77 new confirmed cases and 34 additional deaths.
Ituri Province remains the centre of the outbreak, accounting for 71 per cent of all confirmed cases and 36.4 per cent of newly reported cases nationwide.Ebola has spread to 67 of the country’s 178 health zones, affecting eight of DR Congo’s 26 provinces. The outbreak has a reported fatality rate of 48.6 per cent.
Health authorities said 1,101 patients were receiving treatment in treatment and isolation centres, while 2,788 people had recovered from the disease.
Efforts to control the outbreak have been complicated by insecurity in eastern DR Congo. Health workers and response teams have faced threats and attacks in some areas from people opposed to Ebola control measures, making it difficult to reach affected communities.
There is currently no licensed vaccine specifically approved for the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. However, the Ervebo vaccine, previously used during outbreaks caused by the Zaire strain, has recently been deployed to help protect frontline health workers and response teams.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has repeatedly called for additional funding to support efforts to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.
Several African countries have strengthened their surveillance and emergency preparedness measures following the recent detection of an Ebola case in Nigeria. Uganda, Kenya and France have also reported cases linked to the wider outbreak.