Ebola outbreak still in "expanding phase" in DR Congo, says WHO

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has not yet stabilized and continues to expand, with transmission being driven by population displacement, a global health authority said on Tuesday (7).

The country's authorities have confirmed 1,561 cases, including 506 deaths, in the worst outbreak on record of the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is no proven treatment or cure.

"Unfortunately, it is still in the expansion phase. We would like to say that it is stabilizing, but, frankly, we cannot say that yet," Anne Ancia, WHO medical representative in DR Congo, told reporters.

She highlighted that major challenges persist, such as the near saturation of some Ebola treatment centers, with occupancy rates around 90%.

Another difficulty is that workers who fall ill in the mining town of Mongbwalu do not seek treatment locally; instead, they travel and spread the disease to new regions, she explained.

"Population displacements, persistent insecurity and a fragile health system continue to complicate efforts to control the outbreak," she said.

UN spokesperson Stephane Dujarric said poor water, sanitation and hygiene conditions were of particular concern.

Response activities continue, but humanitarian partners say resource shortages are limiting work in displacement sites, where thousands of displaced people face critical needs.

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Source: CNN