Ebola Cases in DR Congo Exceed 1,200, Resulting in 360 Deaths

Update on Ebola Outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported that the confirmed number of Ebola cases in the ongoing outbreak has now reached 1,274, with 360 fatalities.

Recently, a new Ebola infection was identified in the Haut Ouere department, which is adjacent to the DRC’s borders with both South Sudan and the Central African Republic.

This marks Haut-Ouere as the fourth province in the DRC to have reported a case, following the original outbreak area of Ituri and other neighboring provinces, North and South Kivu. Interestingly, about 90% of the total cases so far have been in Ituri.

Health authorities indicate that the case from Haut Ouere involved an individual who traveled from Bunia, the capital of the Ituri region.

Global health officials have expressed significant concerns that the Ebola outbreak might extend to South Sudan, a country known to have a very weak public health system. The World Health Organization (WHO) emphasized this instability in their reports.

A recent study released by WHO suggested a 70% likelihood of Ebola spreading to South Sudan. Researchers urged the South Sudanese government to enhance infection prevention and response efforts, as well as improve cross-border surveillance to minimize risks.

On Monday, Jackman Shabani, the Minister of Interior of the DRC, announced a prohibition on large gatherings in Haut Ouere and nearby provinces, including Tsopo and Bas Ouere, along with the capital, Kinshasa.

This decision drew criticism from opposition leaders, who accused the government of exploiting the Ebola situation to curb protests, particularly with a significant rally planned for July 8.

“This is not right. We cannot accept this decision,” remarked Prince Epenge, a spokesperson for the opposition Lamuka Political Union. Other opposition figures have encouraged their supporters to defy the gathering ban and to join the July 8 march.

Meanwhile, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) elevated the response level to the Ebola outbreak to Level 1, its highest alert status. However, they also reassured that the risk of Ebola transmission within the United States remains low.