Ebola outbreak in Congo spreads to 6 provinces: 2,786 lives lost

The toll of the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has worsened. According to the latest report shared by the World Health Organization (WHO), the number of confirmed cases in the country has risen to 5,794, while the death toll has reached 2,786.

The report stated that the outbreak has affected 6 provinces across the country and spread to 60 health zones. The WHO announced that the data covers confirmed cases reported as of August 26.

In its assessment, the WHO noted that there has been a significant increase in both the scale and geographical spread of the outbreak over the last three months. Following the recommendation of the Emergency Committee that met on August 18, the organization reported that the outbreak maintains its status as a “public health emergency of international concern.”

Ebola, a viral disease with a high risk of mortality, makes rapid intervention, contact tracing, and isolation measures critical, especially in regions where health systems are fragile. The Democratic Republic of Congo has also struggled with Ebola outbreaks in past years.

News Source: 12punto