DR Congo Reports Rise In Ebola Cases And Deaths As Outbreak Spreads

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) has reported a rise in Ebola infections and deaths as health authorities intensify efforts to contain the outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus.

Health Minister Roger Kamba said the outbreak remains at an early stage, although cases continue to increase in affected areas.

Authorities have identified nearly 1,000 suspected infections so far, with 101 cases confirmed through laboratory testing.

Preliminary estimates also linked around 200 to 220 deaths to the outbreak, while officials confirmed 17 deaths through testing.

Kamba said authorities are still in the early phase of the epidemic and noted that the duration of the outbreak would depend largely on the effectiveness of response measures.

The government has planned a major response operation expected to continue for four to six months.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which experts consider less lethal than the Zaire strain but still highly dangerous if infections continue to spread.

Authorities said no approved vaccine or specific treatment currently exists for the Bundibugyo strain.

Officials strengthened surveillance, testing, isolation, contact tracing and awareness campaigns to contain the outbreak.

The government suspended civilian flights to and from Bunia, the centre of the outbreak, while humanitarian operations continue.

Authorities also said they have not yet identified the first patient.

The World Health Organisation confirmed that one Ebola patient in Goma is recovering well.

Health experts stressed that rapid containment efforts remain crucial to preventing further spread of the virus across eastern DR Congo.

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