Ebola cases in DRC pass 11,000 with over 5,000 deaths

Summarised from 4 outlets · Updated 11 Nov, 15:44 · Archive

The Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ebola outbreak has reached 11,042 confirmed cases and 5,387 deaths, according to government data released this week. The outbreak, declared in mid-May, is now the country's deadliest and the second-deadliest globally, behind only the 2014-2016 West African epidemic which killed more than 11,000 people.

The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus, which kills approximately half of those infected. No vaccine or treatment has been developed specifically for this strain. The World Health Organization has approved clinical trials of two new Ebola vaccines and expects results in early 2027.

Eight of the country's 26 provinces have been affected, with cases now reported across East, Central and West Africa, giving it the widest geographic spread of any Ebola outbreak on the continent. Ituri province accounts for nearly 70 per cent of cases, whilst North Kivu has emerged as the main site of new transmission.

Health authorities cite several obstacles to containment. Armed conflicts in Ituri and North Kivu provinces have restricted access for health workers. Poor roads, a strained health system and widespread mistrust of authorities have accelerated the virus's spread. Many deaths have occurred outside treatment centres. Health facilities and medical workers have also faced attacks from communities sceptical of the virus's existence.

The outbreak has affected schools in Ituri, with teachers contracting the disease. Isaac Singoma, a head teacher in Bunia, told the Associated Press: 'Our students and the entire staff have been left traumatised. At this stage, we need psychologists to support us, as the situation is extremely difficult.' Health authorities have called for a halt to fighting to allow unhindered access to the sick.

How it is being reported

• Kenya's last Ebola patient leaves hospitalKenya had nine confirmed cases, while DR Congo continues to battle its deadliest outbreak of the disease.DW News · 11 Nov, 16:16
• Over 11,000 Ebola cases reported in Congo during country’s deadliest outbreakAccording to the latest health ministry data, 11,042 people have been infected with the deadly virus that has now killed 5,387.New York Post · 11 Nov, 15:31
• Ebola tops 11,000 cases in Congo's deadliest outbreakCongo's Ebola outbreak has topped 11,000 cases, the government said Wednesday, a stark figure that underscores the severity of the situation as the country grapples with the relentless spread of the disease.NPR · 11 Nov, 09:16
• Ebola cases in DR Congo pass 11,000, with 5,387 deathsAuthorities struggling to contain DRC's largest Ebola outbreak due to delayed detection and conflict.Al Jazeera · 11 Nov, 04:44

In this story: Democratic Republic of the Congo · Ituri · North Kivu · World Health Organization · West Africa

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log