Home / Health / Ebola Surge in DR Congo: 20 New Cases Weekly
Ebola Surge in DR Congo: 20 New Cases Weekly
13 Nov
Summary
- Mambasa area sees 20 new Ebola infections weekly.
- Treatment centers face bed shortages and logistical issues.
- Outbreak linked to improper handling of a patient's body.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo is currently facing a growing Ebola outbreak in the Mambasa area, with healthcare officials reporting around 20 new cases each week for the last three weeks. This surge is straining resources, as treatment centers are experiencing a shortage of beds and significant logistical problems. The outbreak's origin in Mambasa has been traced back to the improper handling of a deceased Ebola patient's body approximately three weeks prior. In total, Mambasa has recorded 127 Ebola cases since the outbreak began, resulting in 57 fatalities.
The broader outbreak initially started in eastern DR Congo and Uganda on May 15, becoming the second-deadliest in Africa's recorded history. Ebola cases have since been identified across eight Congolese provinces. While Uganda declared its outbreak ended on July 28 and was confirmed by the WHO on August 25, new cases have since been detected in Kenya and Nigeria. This particular outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which a vaccine is still under development.
