Ebola outbreak in Congo surpasses 3,200 deaths as cases near 6,700

Health officials said there have been almost 6,700 confirmed cases of the Ebola virus in six provinces of the Democratic Republic of Congo, killing more than 3,200 people.

As of Sept.6, the country reported 6,686 confirmed cases and 3,226 related deaths, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control. The outbreak, which began in May and has now spread to 60 health zones, is the deadliest Ebola outbreak in Congo’s history.

The outbreak is caused by the Ebola virus Bundibugyo strain, a relatively rare strain for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The outbreak is still centred in Ituri province, though North Kivu also has a high number of infections.

The World Health Organisation has warned that efforts to contain the virus are being hampered by a lack of trained Health workers, treatment capacity, operational partners, and funding. Nearly 1,400 beds have been set up in 59 treatment centres, but the WHO said 1,600 more are needed.

Authorities are now moving to a more decentralized response with treatment centres being set up closer to the affected communities. Contact tracing and transmission containment efforts are also being hampered by security concerns, population displacement, and public distrust of health workers.

The WHO has requested more international funding and assistance as the outbreak spreads.