Ebola cases in DR Congo jump to over 1500, death toll 473
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo surpassed 1500 Friday, after more than 40 infections were reported, official data showed as response and surveillance measures continue.
The death toll also rose to 473, since the outbreak was declared on May 15, according to the Health Ministry situation update Saturday.
The outbreak remains concentrated in 34 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces with more than 11,000 contacts being monitored.
Health authorities reported 213 recoveries, while 628 patients remain under care.
The ministry said community mobilization capacities continue to be strengthened, amid community resistance, particularly in Ituri.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) earlier this week convened a high-level meeting in the capital Kinshasa to align political leadership, partners and resources behind what it called one priority: support Congo faster and protect the region.
Speaking at the forum Thursday, President Felix Tshisekedi emphasized the need for solidarity and the strengthening of the African continent's health capacities for effective response to epidemics.
Donors and partners have pledged $910 million to support the Ebola response in Congo and Uganda, where 20 cases have been reported, according to Africa CDC.
On May 17, two days after the outbreak was declared in Congo, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which then spread to Uganda, as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern.
