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Africa’s latest Ebola outbreak has surpassed 10,000 confirmed cases, with most infections and deaths recorded in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to Congolese health authorities on Tuesday.
The DRC has reported 10,060 infections and 4,887 deaths since first detecting the virus in May. Authorities described it as the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the country’s history.
Cases have also been reported in Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda. The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that containing the outbreak will be difficult because it spans eastern, western and central Africa. The response faces another major challenge: no approved vaccines or treatments exist for the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the outbreak.
Read More : Ebola: Bundibugyo Strain Shows No Early Symptoms
Uganda, which recorded 20 cases and two deaths, was declared Ebola-free by the WHO in late August. Kenya reported no cases until October 6. However, the country has since recorded two deaths linked to the virus.
Nigeria has confirmed one case involving a Swiss woman who contracted the virus after travelling to Uganda with her husband. Authorities evacuated her to Switzerland on Monday.
Nigerian health authorities have identified 53 people who had contact with the patient. The move aims to prevent further transmission in Africa’s most populous country.
The WHO said the woman developed symptoms on October 7 and sought medical care in Abuja on October 11. She tested positive for the Bundibugyo strain on October 20. Health authorities continue to monitor identified contacts and take steps to prevent further spread.
