Congo's Ebola deaths top 5,000 as fear of continent-wide spread mounts
Summary
Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed 5,026 of 10,351 infected people, according to government data, making it the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak on record. The Bundibugyo virus has spread across eight provinces, while conflict, gaps in contact tracing, community distrust and unpaid health workers have complicated response efforts; cases have also been reported in other African countries.Key Facts
- The Congolese Ministry of Health reported 5,026 deaths among 10,351 infected people, a fatality rate of nearly 50%.
- The outbreak was declared in mid-May and is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is no known vaccine or treatment.
- A total of 2,788 people have recovered, and about one-third of recorded deaths occurred outside treatment centers.
- The virus has spread to 67 of Congo’s 178 health zones in eight provinces; 50 of those zones have active cases.
- Ituri and North Kivu have recorded 9,782 confirmed cases and 4,792 deaths combined.
- The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention said about 80% of new cases are outside monitored chains of contacts.
- Conflict, attacks on health workers and facilities, and community disbelief have hindered response efforts.
- Workers at an Ebola treatment center in Tchomia stopped work on Friday to demand four months of unpaid wages.
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