WHO: Ebola Death Toll in Congo Exceeds 500

The Ebola virus continues its deadly spread in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with the World Health Organization (WHO) confirming that the death toll has surpassed 500. As of July 4, authorities have recorded 1,561 confirmed cases of the disease, resulting in 506 fatalities. An additional 254 individuals have recovered.

More than 10,000 people who had contact with infected individuals are currently under surveillance. The outbreak, officially declared on May 15, is unfolding in areas grappling with persistent armed conflict, significant population displacement, and severely limited resources, including a shortage of ambulances.

A critical step in combating the epidemic began on July 2 with the commencement of clinical trials for potential treatments. Currently, no registered drug exists specifically for the Bundibugyo virus strain causing this outbreak. The trials will evaluate the efficacy of two promising drugs, the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral remdesivir, administered either individually or in combination. Over 1,200 doses of these medications have been prepared, with the possibility of including other therapies as new scientific data emerges.