Congo Ebola outbreak grows to 1,561 cases and 506 deaths
What's new: WHO says treatment centers are near capacity, more than 10,000 contacts are under watch, and drug trials began July 2.
The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo is still expanding, with 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 deaths reported as of July 4, the World Health Organization said. Anne Ancia, WHO’s representative in Congo, said the epicenter is Bunia in Ituri province and warned it is too early to say the outbreak has stabilized. Health officials are tracing chains of transmission and monitoring more than 10,000 contacts, but treatment centers are close to full and key supplies, including ambulances and protective gear, are in short supply. WHO also said workers from the mining town of Mongbwalu have traveled while ill, helping spread infections to new areas. Clinical trials of two potential therapies for the Bundibugyo strain began July 2.