The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s fast-growing Ebola outbreak has passed 10,000 confirmed cases, with a Tuesday report listing 4,887 deaths, as the World Health Organization calls for sustained and expanded efforts to contain the virus.
A later tally cited by the UN put the number of cases at 10,141 as of Monday. That figure indicated the outbreak was still growing. The outbreak was declared in May and is caused by Bundibugyo virus.
It has become the largest Ebola epidemic in the DRC’s history. Worldwide, it is now the second largest on record, behind the 2014–2016 West African outbreak. The virus has spread across eight Congolese provinces.
Cases have also been reported in other African countries, including Kenya and Nigeria. Response teams face difficult conditions, including conflict and displacement. Some communities are hard to reach, and health workers and supplies are in short supply.
WHO says containment requires stronger control measures and better access to affected areas. WHO also says community outreach should build trust. There is currently no vaccine licensed for use against Bundibugyo virus.
There is also no specific treatment for the virus. Candidate vaccines are being tested. The UN reports that more than 2,600 people have recovered.
It also reports that testing and treatment capacity has expanded. The rising toll shows the scale of the challenge.