The Bundibugyo virus outbreak in DR Congo spreads to five provinces as WHO reports 2,423 confirmed cases and 967 deaths.
GENEVA: The Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has continued to expand, with 2,423 confirmed cases, including 967 deaths and 469 recoveries, Anadolu Ajansi reported, quoting a World Health Organisation (WHO) official on Tuesday.
Thierno Balde, WHO incident manager for the Bundibugyo virus disease response, told reporters in Geneva that the outbreak has now spread to five provinces, with Ituri remaining the epicentre, accounting for 89.1 per cent of cases and 83.9% of deaths.
Despite the latest figures, Balde said health authorities now have a better understanding of the outbreak’s dynamics and are adapting their response accordingly.
“The outbreak remains ahead of us, and we are still in a phase of catching up,” he said.
He said WHO has identified three distinct transmission patterns, with high-intensity transmission continuing in Bunia and surrounding areas, emerging outbreaks in locations including Kisangani, Haut-Uele, Katwa and Butembo, and signs of stabilisation in Mongbwalu, where the outbreak was first detected, as well as in Goma.
He said rapid response teams deployed in Kisangani have so far prevented secondary transmission, with all five reported cases there imported from Ituri. Similar plans will be expanded to Haut-Uele, Katwa, Butembo and other emerging areas.
“We have prioritised the expansion of Safe and Dignified Burials, referral systems, and clinical management capacity in the most active transmission hotspots,” he said.
