Congo Ebola outbreak reaches 9,066 cases, 4,381 deaths

The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ebola outbreak has reached 9,066 confirmed cases and 4,381 deaths, according to health ministry figures released Tuesday, October 13, as authorities and health workers continue efforts to contain transmission. The reported deaths represent 48.3% of confirmed cases. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no specifically approved vaccine or treatment is available, according to the reports. The health ministry figures mark a later reporting date than an earlier tally: a separate account cited 8,728 confirmed infections and at least 4,205 deaths through October 7. The outbreak was officially declared on May 15 and has spread from Ituri province to seven provinces, mainly in the country’s north and east. One report said the virus may have circulated in communities in Ituri from mid-February, before the outbreak was identified. The reports describe the outbreak as the deadliest in the country since Ebola was first identified there in 1976. Response efforts face shortages of health resources and difficult access to remote areas.