DAKAR, Senegal - An Ebola outbreak that began in the Democratic Republic of Congo has produced more than 9,800 confirmed infections and over 4,700 deaths across five countries, becoming Congo’s deadliest outbreak and the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic recorded worldwide.
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reported 9,847 confirmed cases and 4,761 confirmed deaths as of Oct. 22. Most were in Congo, which accounted for 9,816 cases and 4,757 deaths.
Cases connected to the outbreak have been reported in Congo, Uganda, Kenya, France and Nigeria. Some countries no longer have active transmission, but health agencies warn that cross-border movement and delayed detection continue to pose risks.
Rare Variant Has No Approved Vaccine
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare Ebola virus species for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Existing licensed vaccines and treatments were developed for the Zaire Ebola virus species.
Vaccine candidates are undergoing clinical trials in Congo, while researchers are also examining whether products used against other Ebola variants could provide cross-protection.
The World Health Organization said 9,704 confirmed cases and 4,687 deaths had been reported in Congo as of Oct. 20, representing a crude case-fatality ratio of 48.3%. The high number of deaths occurring in communities points to persistent problems with early detection and access to care, the agency said.
Armed conflict in eastern Congo, population displacement, weak disease surveillance, porous borders and mistrust of health authorities have complicated efforts to contain the virus. Many patients are diagnosed only after traveling or having contact with numerous other people.
“Ebola is crossing borders. Our response must move faster, with stronger coordination, greater solidarity and decisive political leadership,” Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya said, according to The Associated Press.
Kenya Reports Second Death
Kenya’s Health Ministry reported a second Ebola death on Oct. 23. The patient was a 65-year-old woman who developed symptoms while in quarantine after being identified as a close relative and direct contact of the country’s first confirmed case.
Kenya has confirmed nine cases. Seven patients remain in isolation and treatment, while authorities have traced 135 contacts. The ministry said it had found no evidence of wider community transmission, Reuters reported.
Nigeria this week confirmed its first Ebola case in more than a decade. The patient had returned from Uganda, and authorities began tracing contacts and investigating the likely source of infection.
WHO and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have called for faster regional coordination, expanded testing, stronger screening at borders and airports, and prompt isolation of suspected cases.
The original Russian-language report is available from Vesti Baku.