New suspected Ebola cases have appeared in previously unaffected areas of Congo, officials announced Thursday, as the death toll from the current outbreak reached 600.
The Congolese Health Ministry reported suspected infections in Tshopo and Haut-Uele provinces, indicating the virus has spread beyond its origin in Ituri.
A government statement issued Wednesday noted two suspected cases in Kisangani within Tshopo province. The total confirmed cases nationwide now stand at 1,759. One Tshopo case was connected to the Nia-Nia health zone in Ituri, while the other showed no clear link to known clusters, prompting further investigation.
The Africa Centre for Disease Control described the outbreak as the fastest-growing on the continent. Authorities declared the emergency on May 15 after undetected transmission for weeks. The strain involved is the rare Bundibugyo virus, which lacks an approved vaccine or treatment.
Clinical trials for therapies started last week. Containment efforts face obstacles including funding shortages, attacks on health facilities, and conflict in eastern Congo.
