The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 10,000 confirmed cases, with nearly half of those infected dying from the disease, according to government data released Tuesday.
Data from Congo’s Ministry of Health showed 10,060 confirmed cases, making it the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record and the deadliest in the country’s history.
The outbreak, declared in May, is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.
Health workers are facing major challenges in containing the outbreak, including armed conflict, poor road access, and violence fueled by public mistrust and misinformation.
These obstacles have also made it more difficult to encourage residents to report symptoms and seek medical care.
The outbreak has spread across Africa, with cases reported in Kenya and Nigeria.
Five countries, including Uganda and France, have recorded cases, although neither currently has active infections.
More than five months after the outbreak was declared, attacks against health workers continue.
On Saturday, a nurse was killed and another health worker seriously injured while responding to an Ebola alert in Bafwasende, Tshopo province.
The ongoing violence and limited access to affected communities continue to hamper efforts to contain the disease.
(Photo Courtesy: AP Photo)
