Home · Health · Nov 11 archive

Congo's Ebola Outbreak Surpasses 11,000 Cases

4:57 PM ETConfirmedShare via:          

Health Desk

In Short: The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak has surpassed 11,000 confirmed cases, with at least 5,387 deaths, making it the country's deadliest outbreak.

Why won't this Ebola outbreak stop? The R number, explained. WHY IT'S NEWS

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak has surpassed 11,000 confirmed cases, with at least 5,387 deaths, according to government data released on Tuesday. This makes it the country's deadliest outbreak, second only to the 2014-2016 West African outbreak, which infected more than 28,600 people and killed more than 11,000, as reported by Al Jazeera.

The ongoing outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has affected eight of the DRC's 26 provinces, with many deaths occurring outside treatment centers. Health authorities are struggling to contain the outbreak due to delayed detection, conflict, and strained health services, leading to a more rapid spread of the virus than in previous outbreaks.

As of Oct. 27, the DRC had confirmed 10,141 cases, including 4,928 deaths, according to the European CDC, while the outbreak spreading across the DRC has surpassed 10,000 confirmed cases with nearly 4,900 deaths reported across affected countries, as noted by Washington Examiner and People.

The outbreak's geographic spread is unprecedented, with cases reported in East, Central, and West Africa, marking the widest geographic spread of any Ebola outbreak on the continent to date. This has led to significant challenges in containment, with the virus now spreading beyond the DRC's borders to Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria.

Health Minister Roger Kamba reported that while Ituri accounts for nearly 70% of total cases, North Kivu has emerged as the main site of new transmission. The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved clinical trials of two new Ebola vaccines, with expected results in early 2027, as stated by Al Jazeera.

In a positive development, Kenya has discharged its last Ebola patient, marking a major milestone in efforts to contain the disease in the East African nation. Kenyans returning from Ebola-affected areas are required to complete electronic health declarations before traveling, undergo screening on arrival, and spend 21 days in quarantine under the supervision of health teams.

The severity of the outbreak is underscored by the death toll, which has now surpassed 5,000. Experts have called for sustained efforts to slow and contain the disease, with the WHO emphasizing the need for continued vigilance and support.

A British citizen working in the DRC has tested positive for Ebola and will be brought back to the UK for treatment, as confirmed by the Government. The individual contracted the disease while in the DRC, which is battling the largest-ever outbreak of the deadly contagion.

What this adds

What's confirmed

• The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus.
• The figures, released on Tuesday, came as health authorities in the DRC struggle to contain the largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak in the country’s history.
• Dozens of Ebola outbreaks have been documented since scientists first discovered the virus in 1976.
• The health ministry reported on Wednesday 11,042 infections and 5,387 deaths, making it Congo's deadliest outbreak.
• BUNIA, Congo — Congo’s Ebola outbreak has topped 11,000 cases, the government said Wednesday, a stark figure that underscores the severity of the situation as the country grapples with the spread of the disease.
• According to the latest health ministry data, 11,042 people have been infected with the deadly virus that has now killed 5,387 — nearly half of those infected in what has been Congo's deadliest outbreak.
• The patient, who is thought to be a healthcare worker, is said to be in a stable condition A British citizen working in the Democratic Republic of Congo has tested positive for Ebola, the Government has confirmed.

What's still developing

• A senior politician from the ruling party was beaten to death in Butembo on Sunday after promoting Ebola prevention during a radio interview, Reuters reported.
• The DRC’s achievement was even greater given their preparations had been disrupted by the Ebola outbreak back in their country.

Sources

• Al Jazeeralink
• BBClink
• Euronews.comlink
• GBC Ghana Onlinelink
• Herald Bulletinlink
• HuffPostlink
• NBC Newslink
• NPRlink
• The Killeen Daily Heraldlink
• Toronto Starlink
• Peoplelink
• Healthpolicy-Watchlink
• Newslink
• Ntvkenyalink
• Inewslink
• Oxfordmaillink
• WHY IT'S NEWS — video link
• Factslane — video link
• The Macro Wire — video link