Ebola Death Toll in DR Congo Surpasses 300 as Outbreak Worsens

The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has surpassed 300, the country’s Ministry of Health said on Thursday.

Since the outbreak was declared on May 15 this year, a total of 1,155 Ebola cases have been confirmed, with 304 deaths recorded, bringing the case fatality rate to 26.3 percent, according to the ministry. The figures were reported by Anadolu Agency.

Health officials said the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has spread across 34 health zones. Active transmission is currently reported in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, with Ituri identified as the epicenter of the outbreak.

Meanwhile, 16 more patients in Ituri have recovered and been discharged from hospital after testing negative for the virus, raising the total number of recoveries to 138.

Separately, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said the continent requires 1.4 billion U.S. dollars to implement its Ebola preparedness and response plan.

Speaking at a virtual press briefing, Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said the funds would support both healthcare services and humanitarian assistance. Although countries and development partners pledged 910 million dollars at a recent African Union high-level meeting, only 13 percent of the pledged amount has been disbursed so far.

To curb the spread of the virus, the Congolese government has ordered a mandatory 21-day quarantine for travelers arriving from Ebola-affected areas.