Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo kills 961 children, Save the Children reports
Save the Children says at least 2,071 children under 18 have contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since 15 May, with 961 deaths reported.
At least 2,071 children under the age of 18 have contracted Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo since the outbreak was detected on 15 May, with 961 reported deaths, according to figures cited by Save the Children.
The organisation said the figures amount to an average of about seven child deaths each day. It called for stronger protection for the youngest children as the outbreak continues to spread across eastern DRC.
Young children face the highest risk
Children under five made up 623 of the reported child deaths, representing about two-thirds of the total, Save the Children said, citing figures from Congo’s Ministry of Health.
The reported case fatality rate among children aged between zero and four was 61%. The overall fatality rate for the outbreak was reported at 48%, indicating a substantially higher risk among the youngest age group.
The figures highlight the disproportionate effect of the outbreak on children, particularly those who are under five years old.
Thousands of cases reported across eastern DRC
The latest figures from Congo’s Health Ministry showed 8,300 recorded Ebola cases and 4,018 deaths since the outbreak was declared in eastern Congo on 15 May.
The outbreak was continuing to spread across eastern DRC, according to the report. Save the Children’s appeal for greater protection focused on children most vulnerable to severe illness and death.
The child figures were reported by Save the Children, while the wider outbreak totals were attributed to Congo’s Health Ministry.
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