EBOLA DEATH TOLL IN DRC RISES TO 600 — WHO
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By; Sunmola Ganiyat
The death toll from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has climbed to 600, according to the latest figures released by the World Health Organization.
The updated data, published on Thursday, comes just days after fatalities from the outbreak exceeded 500.
According to information provided by Congolese health authorities and compiled by the WHO, the country has recorded 1,759 confirmed Ebola infections since the outbreak was officially declared in mid-May, with 600 confirmed deaths.
The outbreak has also crossed borders into neighboring Uganda, where authorities have confirmed 20 cases and two deaths. Health officials reported that 17 of the infected patients have since recovered.
The WHO said the outbreak is currently recording a case fatality rate of approximately 34 per cent.
Health authorities further disclosed that 285 patients have recovered from the disease, while 304 suspected cases are still being investigated.
Although infections have been reported across four provinces in northeastern DRC, the outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri Province, which continues to serve as the epicentre.
Officials said the outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a variant for which no approved vaccine or licensed treatment currently exists.
To strengthen response efforts, authorities launched a clinical trial on July 2 to evaluate two experimental treatment options.
The study is testing the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug Remdesivir, both as standalone therapies and in combination.
Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals or contaminated materials.
The DRC announced its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15 following a series of deaths in Ituri Province, a mineral-rich region that has long faced challenges linked to armed conflict and insecurity.
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