Ebola Cases in Central Africa Surge to Nearly 500 Amid Uncontrolled Outbreak

The Ebola epidemic in Central Africa is escalating, with the World Health Organization reporting a significant surge in cases. As of Saturday, the Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded 452 confirmed infections, resulting in 82 deaths. Uganda has also reported 19 confirmed cases and two fatalities.

This represents a sharp increase of 100 new cases and 20 additional deaths compared to the previous day, according to WHO data. Experts believe the actual numbers are likely higher due to unreported cases. The outbreak, initially identified in a remote part of the Congo in early May, led the WHO to declare a "health emergency of international concern" – its second-highest alert level – in mid-May.

The WHO stated that the epidemic is far from being under control. Meanwhile, in a separate development, a U.S. doctor infected with Ebola while working in Congo was discharged from Berlin's Charité University Hospital on Saturday. After two weeks of treatment, the patient's tests have been negative since May 30, and his condition has improved significantly. The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus variant, for which there is no specific treatment or approved vaccine.

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The epidemic is still far from being under control.