A rapidly worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has infected more than 1,000 people and claimed 277 lives within just five weeks, according to the World Health Organisation (WHO).
Speaking during an online media briefing, WHO Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said the outbreak has recorded 1,094 cases since it was declared on May 15, making it the largest first-month Ebola outbreak ever recorded in Africa.
He said the outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain, a rare form of the virus for which there is currently no licensed vaccine or specific treatment. Cases are concentrated in Ituri Province but have also spread to North Kivu, South Kivu and neighbouring Uganda.
Despite the growing numbers, Ghebreyesus said treatment and testing capacities have expanded significantly, with more than 500 treatment beds now available and laboratory testing increasing to over 2,000 tests daily.
He added that more than 100 patients have recovered following early detection and supportive care, while clinical trials of antiviral drugs are expected to begin soon.
The WHO chief also confirmed that Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths linked to the outbreak.
As containment efforts continue, WHO has warned that insecurity, humanitarian challenges and limited healthcare access remain major obstacles, while calling for increased international support to curb the spread of the disease.
