The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached 5,515 confirmed cases, with 2,642 deaths, according to the latest government figures.
Authorities reported 51 new cases in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, as the country battles what has become its deadliest Ebola outbreak.
The outbreak, declared in mid-May, is the DRC’s 17th Ebola epidemic. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified it as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, with the alert also covering neighbouring Uganda.
The case fatality rate has risen sharply, from about 20 percent in early June to nearly 48 percent, meaning almost half of those infected have died. However, contact tracing has improved significantly, increasing from 30 percent in June to more than 85 percent.
Health workers have also been heavily affected. About 160 healthcare workers have contracted Ebola, while around 45 have died, according to the WHO.
Efforts to contain the outbreak have been complicated by armed conflict, population displacement, attacks on medical workers and health facilities, population mobility and inadequate infrastructure.
Vaccines Arrive
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. The WHO has pledged 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which has been used successfully against Ebola in previous outbreaks.
About 16,250 vaccine doses arrived in the DRC on Friday, while health officials have called for the response to be expanded two to threefold.
Public health experts have warned that weak infection-control measures and mistrust between communities and authorities could further fuel transmission.
The WHO currently assesses the risk to the global public as low but says the risk within the DRC remains very high.
Meanwhile, Pope Leo has urged the international community to take stronger action to contain the outbreak and save lives.
Speaking at the Vatican on Sunday, the Pope called for international efforts that involve local communities in prevention measures, stressing the need to save as many lives as possible.
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