Ebola Outbreak in Congo Claims at Least 930 Lives, Health Ministry Reports

Kathmandu. The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached at least 930, the country's health ministry has stated. According to the ministry, 2,344 people have been confirmed infected nationwide as of Saturday. In the last 24 hours alone, 37 people have died, which is one of the highest single-day death tolls. Officials said this Ebola outbreak, declared on May 15 in eastern Congo, is the fastest-spreading outbreak to date. The 'Bundibugyo' strain of Ebola virus that has spread this time is less common than other types, but no approved vaccine or treatment method is available for it yet. Efforts to control and treat the disease in the most affected Ituri province are being hampered by security challenges. According to the health ministry, at least 12 attacks have been made on health centers and treatment teams since the outbreak was declared. Meanwhile, some health workers have quit their jobs in protest of not receiving their salaries. The ministry stated that at least 36 health workers have died due to the virus infection. According to the ministry, 724 infected people are currently undergoing treatment in isolation and hospitals. Efforts to control the disease, treat the infected, and monitor them in the affected areas have been intensified, it has been stated.