Ebola: Death toll in DRC now 984

CONGO DRC – Death toll since recent outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease(EVD) in the Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed to an all time high of 984 out of 1,495 cases recorded in the DRC, the World Health Organisation, WHO has said.

According to the agency, as of 30 April, a total of 1495 confirmed and probable EVD cases have been reported, of which 984 died, with fatality rate put at 66%.

“Of the total cases with recorded sex and age, 56% (830) were female, and 28% (422) were children aged less than 18 years. The number of healthcare workers affected has risen to 92 (6% of total cases). To date, a total of 415 EVD patients who received care at Ebola Treatment Centres (ETCs) have been discharged”, WHO said.

From 27 to 30 April, WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus and WHO Regional Director for Africa Dr Matshidiso Moeti, visited Butembo to review current response activities and bolster support for the response personnel currently operating there.

During the visit, Dr Tedros and Dr Moeti travelled to Butembo to express their gratitude for support to WHO and partner organisation staff and also assessed the next steps needed to strengthen both security and the Ebola response effort.

They also met with local political, business and religious leaders, and called on them to accelerate their efforts to help stabilise the surrounding environment. The visit concluded with both Dr Tedros and Dr Moeti reiterating their concerns for the present situation and repeating their appeal to the international community to intensify support to contain the outbreak by bridging the funding gap.