WHO declares Ebola outbreak in DR Congo a global health emergency
WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned there are currently "significant uncertainties to the true number of infected persons and geographic spread" of the outbreak.
WHO director general Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned there are currently "significant uncertainties to the true number of infected persons and geographic spread" of the outbreak.
Since the outbreak began on September 4, the DR Congo health ministry has recorded 64 cases, comprising 53 confirmed and 11 probable infections. The outbreak has claimed 43 lives, with Bulape and Dikolo responsible for the majority of infections and deaths, accounting for more than three-quarters of all cases.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) noted that the outbreak, initially limited to two districts, has now expanded to four. More than 900 contacts have been identified and are being closely monitored by health teams.
The outbreak has affected Bulape and Mweka health zones in Kasai Province where health officials have been carrying out investigations.
The outbreak was first reported on January 30, following the death of a male nurse.