Ebola in DR Congo: 10,668 cases and 5,198 deaths by 3 November
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on ThisDay
DR Congo has 10,668 confirmed cases of Bundibugyo virus disease and 5,198 deaths as of 3 November, according to the World Health Organization. Transmission remains active in 51 of the 67 affected health zones, while 512 deaths have been recorded since 21 October, WHO reports.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo had 10,668 confirmed cases and 5,198 deaths linked to Bundibugyo virus disease as of 3 November, with active transmission in 51 of the 67 affected health zones across eight provinces. The World Health Organization (WHO) reported these figures in an update published on 7 November.
The case fatality ratio stood at 48.7%. Since 21 October, 512 additional deaths have been reported, including 335 in communities and 177 in treatment centres, according to WHO. The organisation is particularly concerned about the high number of community deaths, notably among young children, which it links to difficulties in early detection and rapid access to appropriate care.
WHO says a slight decline in cases has been observed in some areas, but that transmission remains sustained and high in several areas of DR Congo. No new cases have been reported in Kenya or Nigeria since the previous update published on 23 October, according to the organisation.
Switzerland and the United Kingdom have carried out medical evacuations of nationals confirmed to be infected. WHO also recommends maintaining cross-border surveillance, controls at points of entry and early detection, while advising against travel or trade restrictions targeting countries facing the outbreak.
