Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo Claims Over 500 Lives, Fatality Rate at 32%

(CNA Geneva, July 6, Comprehensive Foreign News) Data released today by the World Health Organization (WHO) shows that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has resulted in over 500 deaths.

According to an updated statistic released by the WHO, this Ebola outbreak, declared in mid-May, has seen 1,561 confirmed cases within the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) in central Africa, including 506 confirmed deaths.

The WHO cited data from Congolese health authorities, indicating that the mortality rate for this outbreak stands at a high 32%. Currently, 254 patients have recovered, and 354 cases suspected of viral hemorrhagic fever (VHF) are under investigation.

This outbreak is caused by the relatively rare Bundibugyo virus strain within the Ebolavirus genus, spreading to four northern provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, but primarily concentrated in Ituri Province. There is currently no effective vaccine or treatment for the Ebola virus.

Neighboring Uganda has also reported 20 confirmed cases, of which 16 have recovered and 2 have died, with the epidemic being relatively more stable.

On July 2, the Democratic Republic of Congo launched trials for two potential treatments for the Bundibugyo virus strain, evaluating the safety and efficacy of monoclonal antibody MBP134 and antiviral drug Remdesivir, individually or in combination. (Intern Editor: Zhuo You-an / Editor: Chen Yi-wei) 1150707

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