The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 10,000, according to health authorities, as concerns grow over the spread of the disease to other African countries.
Figures released by the country’s public health institute on Tuesday recorded 10,060 cases and 4,887 deaths. The outbreak, declared in May this year, has become the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the country.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which differs from strains responsible for previous outbreaks. According to Reuters, the current outbreak ranks second in scale after the 2014–2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa.
Concerns have also increased over the potential spread of the disease to neighbouring countries. Kenya reported cases after a traveller who had arrived in Nairobi from Congo via Uganda died. Nigeria also recorded its first case linked to the current outbreak last week.
Health officials are investigating how the wife of a Swiss diplomat contracted Ebola, despite not having travelled to Congo, according to Swiss authorities. The woman and her husband were transferred to hospitals in Switzerland on Monday for medical care.
Uganda also reported cases in May and June, but the World Health Organization declared the country free of Ebola in August. Ugandan authorities have said there are currently no cases in the country and that travellers returning from Congo with relevant travel histories will be quarantined for 21 days.
Ebola is a severe and sometimes fatal viral disease that can spread through direct contact with the blood or bodily fluids of an infected person, or the body of someone who has died from the disease. Early detection, medical care and preventive measures are essential to controlling its spread.
