An Ebola outbreak in Uganda and the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 200 people and infected 894 others in its first month, making it the worst outbreak of its kind at this stage.
Health officials say cases have risen by 38 per cent in just one week. The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Most cases are in Congo’s Ituri province, but the virus has also spread to nearby areas and across the border into Uganda. So far, 74 people have recovered.
Efforts to control the outbreak have been slowed by ongoing conflict, remote locations, and a lack of funding. Health officials estimate that up to 35,000 people may have been exposed to the virus, but fewer than 4,000 contacts have been identified and monitored.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention says more resources and staff are urgently needed to bring the outbreak under control.
