The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has climbed to 1,094, including 277 deaths, as health authorities race to contain one of Africa’s fastest-growing outbreaks.
The figures were released after the World Health Organization warned that the outbreak had recorded the highest number of infections seen in the first month of any Ebola epidemic on the continent. Officials believe the virus may have been circulating for months before the first cases were confirmed on May 15, increasing the risk of wider transmission.
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Congo’s health ministry said response efforts are being complicated by shortages of essential protective equipment such as gloves and face masks, leaving frontline healthcare workers at greater risk.
The outbreak is placing growing pressure on the country’s healthcare system as authorities and international health agencies work to trace infections, strengthen surveillance and prevent further spread.
