In Congo, the death toll from the new Ebola outbreak has risen to 80 – AP
Kyiv • UNN
In Congo, 80 people have died from the Ebola virus, and the disease has spread to Uganda. Authorities have confirmed eight cases, and neighboring countries are tightening border controls.
In the Democratic Republic of the Congo, the death toll from a new Ebola outbreak has risen to at least 80. This was reported by the Associated Press, according to UNN.
The outbreak was recorded in the eastern province of Ituri. Previously, authorities reported 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases of infection.
Congo's Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba stated that eight cases of infection have been laboratory-confirmed so far, four of which were fatal.
According to him, tests confirmed the Bundibugyo strain – a less common variant of the Ebola virus. This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in Congo since the virus was first identified in 1976.
It is believed that the first person infected was a nurse who died in a hospital in the city of Bunia as early as April 24.
At the same time, the outbreak has already spread beyond Congo. Uganda confirmed a case of Ebola infection in a patient who arrived from Congo. The person died on May 14 in the country's capital, Kampala.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention expressed concern over the risk of further spread of the virus to Uganda and South Sudan.
Kenya has declared a "moderate risk" of Ebola importation due to active regional travel. A special response team has already been established there, and border controls have been tightened.
Local residents of Bunia speak of constant burials.
"People are dying every day. In one day, we bury two, three, or even more people," said Jean Marc Assimwe, a resident of the city.
Ebola is transmitted through contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, including blood and vomit. The disease has a high mortality rate.
Following the DR Congo, Uganda confirms a new Ebola virus outbreak16.05.26, 03:40 • 4446 views