DR Congo Ebola outbreak tops 7,600 cases, 3,699 deaths

The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported 7,672 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,699 deaths in an outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus species, while neighboring countries and health agencies increase surveillance and preparedness. The government tally, cited by Africa CDC, covers cases through September 19; another government report published Monday gave the same totals but did not specify its cutoff. The outbreak was declared in May and has affected 63 health zones, according to the DRC’s National Public Health Institute. The same tally reported that 1,879 patients had recovered and 886 people were hospitalized or in quarantine. The reported case-fatality rate was 48.2%. Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya said cases were spreading along the DRC’s borders with Uganda, Rwanda, the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo. He warned of a risk of the outbreak reaching neighboring countries; the reports do not confirm exported cases. Kaseya said the outbreak had eased in Ituri province, where it began.