DR CongoTravel DR Congo Ebola outbreak reaches 9,144 cases across seven provinces
An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached 9,144 confirmed cases and 4,410 deaths since it was declared in May, with Ituri province the main focus and cases now recorded in schools.
At least 10 students have died of Ebola virus disease in Ituri province in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, provincial education officials said on Thursday. The deaths are part of a wider outbreak that the Health Ministry says has reached 9,144 confirmed cases and 4,410 deaths since it was declared in May.
Key facts
- 25 confirmed Ebola cases have been recorded among students in several schools in Ituri province.
- 10 of the infected students have died and seven are being treated at specialised Ebola centres in the region.
- The outbreak has affected 65 health zones in seven provinces: Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Bas-Uele, Tshopo and South-Ubangi.
- Nationally, 9,144 confirmed cases and 4,410 deaths have been recorded since the outbreak declaration in May.
- Ituri remains the principal focus, with substantial transmission continuing in North Kivu and Haut-Uele.
What is happening in schools?
Figures released by education officials in Bunia, the provincial capital, show that the 10 student deaths come from 25 confirmed cases recorded among pupils at several schools in Ituri. Seven of the infected students are undergoing treatment at specialised Ebola centres in the region.
The cases emerged more than a month after schools reopened for a new academic year while the outbreak was still under way.
How fast is the outbreak spreading?
The World Health Organization's Africa regional bureau said in a situation report on Wednesday that the outbreak in Congo continues to evolve, expanding geographically as well as in the number of infections and deaths. Ituri remains the main focus of the outbreak, while substantial transmission persists in North Kivu and Haut-Uele.
According to the Health Ministry's update, the epidemic has reached 65 health zones across Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Bas-Uele, Tshopo and South-Ubangi provinces.
What are authorities doing?
Provincial education officer Yvon Muke called on schools to step up prevention measures to limit the spread of the virus on school premises. He said the government, with support from international partners, is intensifying efforts to fight the epidemic in schools by distributing disinfectants and protective materials for students and staff.
Muke also urged schools to make sure those materials are used correctly and that health instructions are followed to reduce the risk of transmission.
What this means for travellers
Travellers should note that the outbreak now spans seven provinces, with Ituri, North Kivu and Haut-Uele identified as the areas of strongest transmission, and that the World Health Organization reports it is still expanding geographically. Anyone planning travel to those provinces should factor the outbreak into their plans and follow instructions from health authorities.
The Health Ministry's figures cover confirmed cases since the outbreak was declared in May. No further update schedule has been announced.