(CNA Geneva, 7th) - Officials from the World Health Organization (WHO) stated today that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has not yet stabilized, and population movement continues to fuel the spread of the virus, causing the epidemic to continue to expand.

According to Reuters, the Democratic Republic of Congo currently has 1561 confirmed cases, including 506 deaths. This is the most severe outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain to date, and there is currently no proven effective treatment or cure for this strain.

Anne Ancia, WHO representative to the Democratic Republic of Congo, told Reuters reporters via video link from Bunia in the heavily affected Ituri Province: "Unfortunately, the epidemic is still in its expansion phase. We would like to say that the epidemic is stabilizing, but frankly, we cannot say that yet."

Ancia pointed out that significant challenges remain in various places, such as the bed occupancy rate in some Ebola treatment centers reaching 90%.

She stated that another difficulty is that in the mining town of Mongbwalu in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, infected workers do not stay locally for treatment but go elsewhere, leading to the spread of the epidemic to new areas.

In addition, many confirmed cases in this outbreak are healthcare workers, many of whom were infected before the epidemic was officially declared in mid-May. Since the Ebola virus is mainly transmitted through bodily fluids, and many healthcare workers lack equipment such as boots, gloves, and waterproof protective clothing, it is difficult to effectively prevent infection. (Compiled by Li Jing) 1150708

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  • Source: CNA (Central News Agency)
  • Category: 疫情