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Eastern Democratic Republic of Congo recorded 317 Ebola deaths in the past week, one of the highest weekly tolls since the outbreak began, government data showed on Monday, as health officials struggle to curb the rapidly spreading virus.
Figures from the Ministry of Health showed that as of Saturday, the outbreak had recorded 5,514 confirmed cases and 2,642 fatalities. The case fatality rate stands at 47.9 percent.
The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, has spread across six provinces: Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, Bas-Uele and Tshopo.
Ituri province remains the epicentre, accounting for about 85 percent of all cases and 79 percent of deaths, according to health ministry data. North Kivu province has recorded a higher fatality rate of 68.6 percent.
About 60 percent of fatalities recorded in recent weeks occurred outside Ebola treatment centers, highlighting persistent challenges with early detection, referral and access to care.
The government received 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine last week, with 20,000 doses allocated for a Phase 3 clinical trial to assess its effectiveness against the Bundibugyo virus.
The remaining 50,000 doses are for frontline and health workers.
It is not yet known whether Ervebo, which is licensed for the Zaire ebolavirus, can protect humans against the Bundibugyo virus. Early laboratory and animal studies suggest it may offer some protection.
