DR Congo Ebola cases rise to 808, including 192 deaths

The Democratic Republic of Congo is grappling with an escalating Ebola outbreak, with confirmed cases now reaching 808, including 192 fatalities. The Ministry of Health reported on Monday that 363 people are currently in isolation, and the case fatality rate stands at 23.8%. The virus has spread across three provinces: Ituri, the outbreak's epicenter, North Kivu, and South Kivu, affecting 31 out of 104 health zones.

Health officials emphasize the continued importance of vigilance, urging anyone experiencing symptoms like fever, vomiting, or diarrhea to seek immediate medical attention. The outbreak was officially declared on May 15 in Ituri, a region bordering Uganda and South Sudan, but has since expanded to neighboring North and South Kivu provinces.

The epidemic has also crossed borders into Uganda, where 19 infections and two deaths have been recorded. The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified the outbreak as the Bundibugyo strain, which has a fatality rate of 30% to 50% and for which no specific vaccine or treatment is authorized. The WHO considers the risk high in sub-Saharan Africa and low globally. The virus likely began circulating in Ituri approximately two months before the official declaration, prompting the WHO to declare it a public health emergency of international concern on May 17.