According to a report by Reuters on July 13 local time, the Public Health Agency of the Democratic Republic of the Congo stated in its latest report that the Ebola outbreak has spread to two other provinces in the northeast—Haut-Uele and Tshopo.
According to official data released on the evening of July 12 local time, the total number of Ebola cases across the Congo has risen to 1926, including 702 deaths. As of July 11, four cases have been recorded in Boepo Province (including 2 deaths), and one death has been confirmed in Haut-Léveré Province.
It is reported that the Ebola outbreak currently occurring in Congo (DRC) and Uganda remains unresolved. This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country since the virus was discovered in Congo (DRC) in 1976. Since the declaration of the Ebola outbreak on May 15, the cases reported in Congo (DRC) have mainly been in Ituri Province, North Kivu Province, and South Kivu Province.
Public information shows that Ebola is a serious and often fatal human disease. There are three different viruses known to cause large-scale Ebola outbreaks: Ebola virus, Sudan virus, and Bundibjoko virus.
The average case fatality rate for Ebola disease is about 50%. In previous outbreaks, the case fatality rate varied from 25% to 90%. The vaccines and treatments that have been approved so far are only applicable to one type of virus (Ebola virus). Vaccines and treatments targeting other viruses are currently being developed.
The incubation period for the disease, or the time from infection to the appearance of symptoms, is between 2 and 21 days. Symptoms of Ebola can appear suddenly, including fever, fatigue, discomfort, muscle pain, headache, and sore throat. Subsequently, symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, rashes, and damage to kidney and liver functions may occur. Effects on the central nervous system can lead to confusion, irritability, and aggression.
