Ebola Death Toll in DRC Surpasses 5,000 as Outbreak Spreads

The Ebola death toll in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has exceeded 5,000, according to government data, as an ongoing outbreak continues to spread across the country and into neighboring states.

More than 10,000 people have been infected since the outbreak was declared in May. The outbreak has reached eight of the DRC’s 26 provinces and is described as the country’s deadliest Ebola outbreak on record.

Limited medical options

The outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there are no approved treatments or vaccines. Delayed detection, conflict and pressure on health services have contributed to the virus spreading more rapidly than in previous outbreaks.

Cases have also been reported in neighboring countries, including Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda. Nigeria became the fourth African country to report an Ebola case during the regional spread.

Saudi Arabia introduces restrictions

Saudi Arabia has announced measures affecting travel from Kenya. The Saudi Press Agency reported that the country suspended travel to and entry from Kenya and paused the issuance of all types of visas to travellers from the country.

The restrictions also cover travellers arriving from Kenya, including those who transit through third countries after staying in Kenya or another Ebola-affected country during the previous 21 days. Saudi Arabia had earlier suspended travel to and entry from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan in June.

Regional context

The current outbreak is described as the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever. The 2014–2016 epidemic in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone infected more than 28,600 people and killed more than 11,000.