The World Health Organization (WHO) reported Thursday that 31 of the 38 confirmed Ebola cases in southern Congo have resulted in fatalities, underscoring the severity of a rapidly escalating outbreak in the Kasai region.
The death toll has nearly doubled since last week, when 16 deaths were recorded. Health officials say the virus is spreading quickly, with over 900 individuals identified as contacts of confirmed cases.
Vaccination efforts began Sunday in the hardest hit area, Bulape, where the outbreak was first declared on September 5. “More than 500 healthcare workers and contacts have received their vaccination, offering them crucial protection,” said Dr. Patrick Otim of WHO Africa.
So far, 760 vaccine doses have been delivered to Bulape, with an additional 45,000 expected to arrive soon in Kinshasa to bolster the response. Due to limited cold storage and challenging terrain, doses are being flown into Bulape in small batches.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed last week that the outbreak has expanded from two districts to four. More vaccine shipments, approved by the International Coordinating Group on Vaccine Provision, are scheduled to arrive between Friday and Sunday.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely as they race to contain the virus and prevent further spread.
