KINSHASA, Congo (AP) — Congolese authorities have reported one of the highest daily increases in Ebola cases as the virus spreads quickly and surveillance efforts improve in the month-old outbreak in one of the world’s most challenging regions.
Congo’s Ministry of Health on Sunday said 72 new cases were reported in a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 782. Those include 181 confirmed deaths after 29 new deaths were confirmed.
The ministry said that while the numbers show the outbreak is spreading rapidly, it also reflects more active surveillance.
“Community members are reporting suspected cases, and response teams are investigating them,” it said on X.
The number of cases in what could become history’s worst Ebola outbreak is believed to be higher because the outbreak was confirmed on May 15, weeks after it is suspected to have begun.
The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which was not tested for in the early days.
The more common Zaire virus, which now has a vaccine, was responsible for most of Congo’s past 16 outbreaks of the disease.
Congo said the contact tracing coverage rate is 56%, a sharp decrease from last week, as authorities hurry to find people who may have been exposed. There was no immediate explanation for the drop.
The ministry also said 40 people have recovered since the start of the outbreak, and the current fatality rate of the outbreak is 23 per cent.
Life goes on, including nightlife, as the population adjusts.
The World Health Organisation said Sunday it is intensifying testing and contact tracing and treatment. Tons of supplies from the WHO have arrived in Congo.
And Africa’s top health body said it is deploying technical expertise and supporting laboratory systems, case finding and community engagement efforts to accelerate the response.
“We remain committed to supporting affected countries until transmission is stopped. We call on partners and donors to urgently mobilise resources to strengthen the response and save lives,” said the head of the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Jean Kaseya.
