Congo Ebola outbreak tops 8,000 confirmed cases as disease remains out of control
Summary
Congo’s Ebola outbreak has climbed past 8,000 confirmed cases, with more than 3,900 deaths and the disease still spreading across seven provinces. Shortages of health workers, strikes over unpaid wages, and insecurity are hampering efforts to contain the outbreak.
Key Points
- Confirmed Ebola cases in Congo have risen to 8,067, with 3,901 deaths recorded as of Sept. 26.
- The World Health Organization says the outbreak remains difficult to contain because of late detection, inadequate care, and a high fatality rate.
- Health workers have gone on strike over delayed or missing pay, worsening the shortage of staff responding to the crisis.
- The outbreak has spread across 63 health zones in seven provinces and is outpacing the West Africa Ebola outbreak at a similar stage.
