The Democratic Republic of the Congo has confirmed 101 Ebola deaths as the country’s latest outbreak continues to spread across its eastern provinces. Government figures released on Monday show 35 new cases and 10 additional deaths were recorded in the previous 24 hours, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 550.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was officially declared on 15 May. Health authorities say the virus had been circulating undetected for several weeks before it was identified. The hardest-hit areas are Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces.
Congolese authorities say armed groups operating in parts of Ituri Province are restricting humanitarian access and hampering response efforts in affected communities. Officials also reported an attack on a burial team in Bunia on Sunday, leaving two people seriously injured and damaging two vehicles.
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The World Health Organisation has declared the outbreak a public health emergency and warned of the risk of further spread. Unlike the more common Zaire strain of Ebola, there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo strain. Neighbouring Uganda has recorded 19 cases and two deaths linked to the outbreak.
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