Congo Ebola outbreak reaches 8,067 cases and 3,901 deaths

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s public health institute reported 8,067 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,901 deaths as of September 28, making the outbreak the country’s largest and deadliest on record. The figures represent a case fatality rate of 48.4%, according to the institute’s situation report. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which no vaccine or treatment is approved, according to the reports. Several vaccine and treatment candidates are being trialled. The reported case and death totals trace to the same public health institute report. The World Health Organization said in a September 25 report that, since September 11, the outbreak had spread to South Ubangi province and two additional health zones. It said daily reports of new cases remained high, while conditions varied across the country. The WHO also pointed to persistent challenges with detecting cases promptly and providing early, adequate care. The Africa CDC said cases had levelled off after rising rapidly, but assessed that the outbreak was not under control.