Ebola death toll in DR Congo rises to 4,687; cases reported in Kenya, Nigeria

The World Health Organization has reported that the Ebola outbreak in Bundibugyo, Democratic Republic of the Congo, has reached 9,704 confirmed cases, including 4,687 deaths, representing a fatality rate of 48.3%.

The organization noted that the epidemic has spread across 66 areas in eight provinces, with transmission remaining high. Most deaths have occurred outside treatment centers, highlighting challenges in early detection and access to healthcare.

In Kenya, the WHO confirmed nine Ebola cases, including one death, following the identification of the first imported case from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The eight additional cases were among contacts of the initial patient.

The organization also confirmed Nigeria’s first imported case, involving an individual who arrived from Uganda in the capital, Abuja. The patient is currently in isolation and receiving treatment, while investigations continue to trace the source of infection.

The WHO stressed the need to strengthen cross-border health surveillance, early detection, and regional preparedness to contain the outbreak. It added that it does not recommend imposing travel or trade restrictions on affected countries.