The Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded a 52% fatality rate in the ongoing Ebola outbreak, according to data from the National Institute for Biomedical Research (INRB). The bulletin reported 10,414 confirmed cases through October 30.
Authorities said the sharp increase in reported deaths resulted from a retrospective review of data conducted by local information-processing staff and the outbreak management team in Ituri province. The change did not reflect a sudden rise in deaths in a single day.
Declared on May 15, the outbreak is caused by the Ebola Bundibugyo virus. It has become the largest and deadliest Ebola outbreak recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, as well as the second-largest outbreak globally, behind the 2014–2016 epidemic in West Africa.
More than 5,000 people have died in the Congo since the outbreak was declared. Kenya and Uganda have also reported cases. There are currently no approved treatments or vaccines specifically available to combat the rare Bundibugyo strain.
Nigeria investigates suspected cases
Health authorities in Nigeria are investigating two suspected Ebola cases in the country’s northeastern region, according to the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention. The two individuals were isolated while officials identify and monitor contacts and conduct laboratory tests.
The cases remain unconfirmed, with a diagnosis dependent on laboratory results. Nigeria reported its first Ebola case in more than a decade the previous week, involving a Swiss woman who had traveled to Uganda before returning to Abuja. She and her husband were taken to Switzerland on Monday.
If confirmed, the two additional cases could indicate local transmission in Nigeria, raising public-health concerns. Authorities have not said whether the suspected cases are linked to the first reported infection.
Sources: CNN Brasil.