Ebola cases in RD Congo top 3,500, deaths reach 1,556

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now recorded 3,532 confirmed cases and 1,556 deaths, according to the local Ministry of Communication and Media. A total of 807 patients are still isolated or receiving treatment, 626 people have recovered, and the case fatality rate stands at 44.1 percent. Since May 17, WHO has declared the outbreaks in RD Congo and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern because the risk of regional spread is considered very high. A report published in Science adds to evidence that the outbreak likely began in January in Mongbwalu, Ituri, well before it was officially identified around May. Researchers also noted more than 500 suspected cases before May 15. The outbreak has spread to five provinces, with Ituri remaining the epicenter of the Bundibugyo strain, which has no specific vaccine or treatment.