Ebola spreads beyond its epicenter in DR Congo as death toll hits 600
Ebola has spread beyond its epicenter in eastern Congo. Health officials report suspected cases in Tshopo and Haut-Uele, two provinces untouched until this week. The death toll has reached 600, with 1,759 confirmed cases. Africa CDC calls it the fastest growing Ebola outbreak on
New suspected Ebola cases have surfaced in Kisangani, in Tshopo province, and in Haut-Uele, signaling spread beyond the Ituri epicenter. One Kisangani case has no apparent link to any known outbreak. Nationwide confirmed cases have reached 1,759 and the death toll now stands at 600. The outbreak, declared May 15 after weeks of undetected transmission, is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccine or treatment. Clinical trials for a possible therapy began last week. Containment has been slowed by a funding gap, attacks on health centers, and ongoing conflict. Sources: NPR/AP, UN News, WHO, Africa CDC.