Congo’s health ministry reported 8,067 confirmed Bundibugyo Ebola cases and 3,901 deaths as of Sept. 26, across 63 health zones in seven provinces. A shortage of health workers and strikes over delayed or missing pay are hampering efforts to contain the outbreak.
The outbreak, announced May 15, is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no known treatment or vaccine. The ministry’s figures put the fatality rate above 48%; the WHO said continuing deaths in communities highlight challenges in detecting cases promptly and providing early, adequate care. Africa CDC says 50 health workers have died since the outbreak was announced.
Confirmed cases have fallen in parts of Ituri and Haut-Uele, but officials say the disease is spreading in other areas. Insecurity, displacement and population movements are also hampering containment. Africa CDC data show 7,840 cases by Week 19 of this outbreak, versus 3,781 in the 2014–16 West Africa regional outbreak at the same point; the WHO says Congo’s outbreak is on track to surpass that outbreak’s 11,000 deaths.
