The Ebola virus continues to spread in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and other African countries. Six months after the outbreak began, the number of confirmed infections has exceeded 11,000.
This was reported by Reuters, citing UN officials.
According to the UN, in some areas that were previously hotspots for the virus, the number of new cases is falling. In particular, a positive trend is being observed in the city of Bunia in the east of the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
At the same time, the virus continues to spread in remote rural areas, which are harder for medical workers to reach.
WHO Health Emergencies Programme chief Chikwe Ihekweazu said that the biggest obstacle to tackling the epidemic remains the deteriorating security situation.
According to the WHO, around 80 attacks on medical facilities and staff have been recorded since the outbreak began.
The outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which was identified in mid-May. There are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments for this strain.
The international humanitarian organisation Doctors Without Borders criticised the measures to combat the epidemic. Its representatives cited a shortage of medical supplies and warned that the spread of the virus remains uncontrolled.
Meanwhile, the UN’s special coordinator for the Ebola response, Julien Arnaeys, acknowledged the complexity of the situation due to the vast area affected by the outbreak. He said that despite the danger and logistical difficulties, medical teams are able to work about 80% of the time.
- In October, it emerged that the virus had spread to Nigeria: it was brought in by a woman who returned from Uganda at the beginning of the month. At present, 44 people who had contact with the patient are being traced.
- Uganda, where 20 cases were recorded during this outbreak and which in July announced that it was completely free of Ebola on its territory, rejected Nigeria’s claims. On 27 August, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the end of the outbreak in the country.
- In Kenya, the number of confirmed Ebola cases has risen to seven, including three healthcare workers. One of those infected has died.