1,521 lives lost to Ebola in DR Congo: Data
The Congolese Government on Thursday said 1,521 people have died from Ebola in the latest epidemic that hit the Democratic Republic of Congo.
It also said that the number of laboratory-confirmed infections have risen to 3,442.
According to official figures, the fatality rate currently stands at 44 per cent, meaning that almost half of all confirmed cases have been fatal.
Experts believe there are high numbers of cases that are yet to be detected and reported.
They suspect that the virus had been spreading for months before the outbreak was first detected in mid-May.
Infection figures are rising faster than ever before in an Ebola outbreak.
The Deputy Director, World Food Programme (WFP), Carl Skau, said on Wednesday, “This is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak of all time. In West Africa, it took eight months for 1,000 people to die. In 2014 and 2015, more than 11,000 people died in an Ebola epidemic in West Africa.
“Around 2,300 people died in the second-worst recorded outbreak, which took place from 2018 to 2020 in eastern Congo.”
Ebola is a life-threatening disease.
The virus is transmitted through physical contact and, in particular, contact with bodily fluids.
(dpa/NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
Economy
Seplat sells 10% JV stake to NNPC for $281.6 million
Seplat said the transaction remains subject to regulatory approvals and other customary conditions, with completion expected in the second half of 2026.
Africa
Oprah to close her South Africa-based girls’ school after 20 years
She said the Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy for Girls (OWLAG) will be handed over to local authorities in South Africa.
Lagos
CITAB rejects Lagos’ proposed special number plates for persons living with disabilities
The group stated that the government is out of touch with the realities faced by most disabled people.
Africa
15 elephants died of cyanide poisoning in Kenya: Official
The Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) confirmed the elephants were killed by cyanide poisoning based on preliminary investigations.
States
Efforts ongoing to rescue abducted Ogun Gateway ICT poly students: Police
The students were abducted on Wednesday night after an attack on their residence in Ipara, Remo North Local Government Area.
NationWide
NDC, FES seek stronger gender-responsive leadership to enhance peace, security
“Gender-responsive leadership dismantles systemic biases, creates inclusive environments and leverages diverse perspectives for better security outcomes,” he said.
