Ebola cases in DR Congo top 1,003, with 254 dead
The Bundibugyo outbreak, without a specific vaccine, has spread in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, with 365 patients still hospitalized or isolated.
The Democratic Republic of Congo reported confirmed Ebola cases have topped 1,003 since the outbreak was announced on May 15, with 254 deaths, or a fatality rate of 25.3 percent. The local health ministry said new infections are still being detected, while response efforts are focused in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. The circulating strain is Ebola Bundibugyo, a rare variant that has no specific vaccine or treatment. Health Minister Roger Kamba said at least 100 patients have recovered, but 365 people remain in isolation or are being treated in hospital. WHO previously said the outbreak is spreading very quickly, with most cases in Ituri, which is also affected by armed conflict.