NewzVille Desk
The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 1,155, including 304 deaths.
Health officials said intensified epidemiological and biological surveillance has enabled earlier detection of cases, while confirming that community transmission continues to increase week by week.
Earlier, WHO has said in a statement: “Despite the good progress we have made, we still face major challenges, and the outbreak is continuing to outpace the response. There are now 1094 confirmed Ebola cases, with 277 deaths. The outbreak is continuing to move fast. Political advocacy and action are essential to create the conditions for increased humanitarian access and a scaled-up response. In neighbouring Uganda, a new case was reported last Sunday, the first in two weeks. This brings the total in Uganda to 20 confirmed cases, with two confirmed deaths. All cases in Uganda are linked to the outbreak in DR Congo.”
After first Ebola case was reported in France, which is outside Africa, Dirctor General of WHO, Dr Tedros Adhaman Ghebreyes said, “This case is a reminder of the risks faced by frontline responders. Almost 80 health workers have been infected, highlighting the risks they face and the importance of strengthening infection prevention and control. WHO advises countries to support the safe deployment of personnel responding to this outbreak. This includes ensuring that organizations deploying staff provide clear information on risks, how to reduce and manage the risk of exposure, and that countries are prepared to facilitate evacuation if needed. Still, the risk to the rest of the world remains low”
