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Ebola Spreads to Seventh Province in Congo
11 Sep
Summary
- Ebola outbreak has now spread to seventh province in Congo.
- The rare Bundibugyo virus strain is responsible for the surge.
- Outbreak challenges include insecurity and population movement.
Congo's escalating Ebola outbreak has now reached a seventh province, Sud-Ubangi, signifying a significant westward expansion from the previously affected eastern regions. Authorities confirmed the rare Bundibugyo virus strain is responsible for the surge. This development occurs amidst severe challenges to humanitarian efforts, including insecurity, displacement, and widespread population movement.
The confirmed case in Sud-Ubangi, a province bordering the Central African Republic, marks the first in western Congo. Official figures show 6,942 cases and 3,349 fatalities recorded as of Wednesday. The World Health Organization warns the outbreak could surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic.
Efforts to combat the spread include vaccination trials for the Bundibugyo strain, with trials ongoing in Tshopo, Haut-Uele, and Bas-Uele provinces. The virus risks further spread into neighboring South Sudan and the Central African Republic, as noted by the WHO.
