The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in DR Congo exceeds 1,500
Containing an epidemic requires not only medical resources but also coordinated efforts from government agencies, international partners and local communities. During the spread of dangerous infectious diseases, rapid detection and access to treatment remain critical to saving lives.
According to a bulletin released Thursday by health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), the death toll from the Ebola outbreak affecting the eastern part of the country has risen to 1,521. As of July 28, the DRC had recorded 3,442 confirmed cases, including 1,521 deaths and 615 recoveries. A total of 797 patients remained isolated or hospitalized, according to the bulletin.
The case fatality rate stood at 44.2 percent, while 78.3 percent of identified contacts were under medical monitoring. Epidemic response operations are being carried out in five affected provinces: Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tshopo.
In Ituri Province, however, response efforts have been disrupted by a strike among healthcare workers demanding payment of two months of overdue salaries. Neighboring Uganda, which announced earlier this week that it had ended its Ebola outbreak, continues to support Ituri by providing ambulances and laboratory facilities for rapid testing.
On Wednesday, Uganda deployed mobile laboratories staffed by Ugandan medical personnel to Kasenyi, a border town on the shores of Lake Albert in Ituri Province, to support the rapid identification of suspected Ebola cases.
Ebola is one of the world's most dangerous viral diseases and can cause severe outbreaks with high fatality rates. Early detection, patient isolation and contact tracing remain essential measures in controlling the spread of the virus.
As reported by CCTV+, authorities in the DRC and neighboring countries continue coordinating efforts to contain the Ebola outbreak and strengthen their capacity to detect and treat new cases.
