Ebola outbreak in Congo and Uganda grows to 739 cases, 168 deaths

The Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda has grown to 739 suspected and confirmed cases, up by 86 in a day, as health officials report more cases and deaths in eastern Congo.

The increase was reported on Thursday, when Congo’s health ministry said it was tracking 671 suspected cases and 64 confirmed cases. Uganda’s count remained unchanged at two confirmed cases, all of them imported from Congo.

The death toll in Congo has risen to 166, up from 144 a day earlier, according to health officials. Uganda has reported one death among its two confirmed cases.

The outbreak has expanded to eight health zones in Ituri and North Kivu provinces, where cases have been reported in cities including Bunia and Goma. Additional reports of two cases, including one death, have also emerged in rebel-held areas in South Kivu province.

The outbreak is caused by Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola virus for which there are no approved vaccines or therapeutics.

WHO Director General Dr. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on Wednesday that the confirmed case count did not reflect the true size of the epidemic in Congo.

Tedros declared a public health emergency of international concern early Sunday, saying urgent action was needed because the virus had been circulating before the outbreak was detected. WHO has assessed the risk as high at the national and regional levels and low globally.

The outbreak has reached several urban areas, and deaths have been reported among health workers, indicating transmission linked to healthcare settings.