Ebola Deaths Near 500 in DR Congo amid Continued Community Transmission

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 1,528 confirmed Ebola cases, including 492 deaths, as the country’s latest outbreak continues to expand.

According to a situation report released Saturday by the DRC public health authorities, a total of 239 patients have recovered, while 628 confirmed patients are currently in isolation or hospitalization. Authorities have also identified 185 suspected cases.

The report said weekly confirmed cases have continued to rise, with epidemiological weeks 25 and 26 recording the highest levels so far, each exceeding 300 cases, indicating continued community transmission.

The report listed several major challenges, including community resistance to post-mortem sampling, insufficient capacity at Ebola treatment centers, especially in the eastern province of North Kivu, suboptimal contact tracing, delayed laboratory diagnosis, shortages of medical and infection-prevention supplies, insecurity and limited access in some affected areas.

The WHO said Thursday that a clinical trial had begun enrolling patients in the DRC to evaluate potential treatments for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. (XINHUA)