Symbolic imageCongo Ebola outbreak passes 10,000 cases as neighbours and Europe weigh risk
Congo's Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak has passed 10,000 confirmed cases, with nearly half fatal, according to Health Ministry data released Tuesday. Neighbouring states and Western countries are weighing the risk of spread.
The Health Ministry reported 10,060 cases and 4,887 deaths on Tuesday, making this the deadliest Ebola epidemic in Congo's history, Telesur reports. Declared in May, it has grown from three health zones to 66 across eight provinces, and no approved vaccine or treatment exists for this strain. At least 2,600 patients have recovered, and Al Jazeera shows health workers celebrating at a treatment centre after its last patient left.
Hidden chains and attacks on staff
About 80% of infections involve people who were not among monitored contacts, while Africa CDC says at least 95% would have to be known contacts for control. A nurse was killed in Bafwasende, Tshopo province, on Saturday, and response staff in Nia Nia struck over unpaid bonuses.
Spread beyond Congo
Cases have been reported in Kenya, Nigeria, Uganda and France, though Uganda and France have none active, according to Telesur. The Telegraph reports that experts rate the risk to the UK as low and that US authorities are tightening border rules.
Russia supplies test systems
Anna Popova, head of Russia's consumer protection watchdog, said at the Russia-Africa Summit that Russia has sent Ebola testing systems to all countries bordering Congo.