Death toll due to Ebola outbreak in Congo rises to 160

DAKAR – The Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to worsen, with suspected infections and deaths rising sharply, the international media reported, citing the local health authorities. Reports published by the German Press Agency (dpa) said the Congolese Health Ministry has recorded 671 suspected Ebola cases and 160 suspected deaths so far. Authorities confirmed that 64 infections and six fatalities were verified through laboratory testing. The World Health Organization earlier warned that the actual number of infections could be significantly higher because many suspected cases may not have been officially reported. According to the agency, nearly 600 suspected cases and more than 130 suspected deaths had already been documented by midweek. Health officials said the outbreak originated in Ituri province in northeastern Congo, an area bordering Uganda and South Sudan. According to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention, this marks the 17th Ebola outbreak recorded in Congo since 1976. Authorities confirmed that the current outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment available, making containment efforts more challenging. Meanwhile, neighbouring Uganda has so far reported no additional cases beyond two previously confirmed infections involving Congolese nationals. Ugandan health authorities said one patient had died, while the second patient tested negative for the virus for a second time and remains under medical care. Ebola is a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease that spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or bodily fluids. The virus caused one of the deadliest health crises in West Africa between 2014 and 2015, claiming more than 11,000 lives. NHS Ministry says Ebola risk remains extremely low in Pakistan