DR Congo: Ebola outbreak spreads uncontrollably
The short version
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, an Ebola outbreak is spreading at an unprecedented rate. Over 1,700 people have already died. The World Health Organization and local authorities warn against overburdening capacities.
In the Democratic Republic of Congo, an Ebola outbreak is spreading at an unprecedented rate.3,2,1 According to official figures, more than 1,700 people have already died from the epidemic.1 The World Health Organization (WHO) warned that Ebola is spreading faster than it can be responded to.2
New suspected cases in different places complicate contact tracing.2 Africa's epidemic chief said the outbreak was beyond the ability of the authorities.3 Authorities suspect an Ebola mutation and adjust strategies for each village.3
Médecins Sans Frontières reported a spread at an “unprecedented pace” and saw no signs of slowing down.1 The who urged international support to curb the spread.2 Observers see no signs that the outbreak is slowing down.1
“The severity of this outbreak is unprecedented”
“Ebola is spreading faster than we can respond”
“Ebola is spreading at an "unprecedented pace"”
Why it matters
Ebola is a rare but highly contagious viral disease with high mortality that is transmitted through direct contact with body fluids.3,1
The Democratic Republic of Congo has already experienced severe Ebola outbreaks in the past, including the second largest ever documented in 2018 with over 3,400 cases.1
This account was written from the 3 reports listed below, filed by 3 independent outlets, and checked against them line by line. It is not a copy of any one of them. Spotted an error? Tell us.
Comments
0Comments are screened automatically. Disagreement is welcome; abuse and spam are not.
Loading…
Related
Photo Credit: Content Providers(s): CDC/Dr. Lyle Conrad / Public domainDRC reports 4,000 Ebola cases as outbreak spreads rapidly
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have confirmed over 4,000 Ebola cases and 1,801 deaths, with the virus spreading faster than response efforts can contain it.
Public domainCongo Ebola outbreak kills 1,700 as response lags
Eastern Congo's Ebola outbreak has killed 1,700 people and is spreading faster than any previous outbreak, while protests by response workers over unpaid salaries disrupt containment efforts.