Congo’s Ebola outbreak spreads to new health zone

DAKAR — Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to a new health zone in the northeastern province of Ituri, authorities said Wednesday, as fresh infections indicate sustained transmission more than three weeks after the epidemic was declared.

The health ministry said Tchomia, about 50 kilometers (31 miles) south of the provincial capital Bunia on the shores of Lake Albert, is the latest affected health zone. This brings the total number of affected zones to 26 nationwide and 18 in Ituri province, which accounts for more than 94% of confirmed cases.

In Congo’s health system, a health zone refers to a defined geographic area served by a network of clinics and a referral hospital.

The government’s latest situation report recorded 37 new confirmed cases, including 12 deaths, reported in the previous 24 hours, all in Ituri.

The outbreak has now reached 635 confirmed cases and 127 deaths across three eastern provinces.

The epidemic, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment, was declared on May 15. Since then, it has spread across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, regions affected by insecurity, population displacement and cross-border movement.

Health officials also reported eight newly recovered patients, bringing total recoveries to 30. Treatment activities are ongoing at Ebola centers in Bunia and Rwampara, according to the report.

-Reporting by Clement Bonnerot and Congo newsroom; Editing by Robbie Corey-Boulet and Deepa Babington / Reuters