The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is rapidly worsening, with the death toll now exceeding 2,000 and nearly 4,500 confirmed cases reported.

The World Health Organization has warned that the outbreak could potentially surpass the deadliest Ebola epidemic ever recorded if the spread is not brought under control. The virus has now reached five provinces, with Ituri remaining the epicentre of the crisis.

The speed of transmission has raised serious concerns. According to health officials, it took around nine weeks for the outbreak to reach its first 1,000 deaths, but the death toll doubled within just three weeks. Authorities are racing to strengthen surveillance, contain transmission and expand medical responses, but conflict, limited healthcare access and the absence of an approved vaccine or specific treatment for this Ebola virus species are making the response extremely challenging.

Ebola Outbreak Explodes In DR Congo, Death Toll Tops 2,000 Across Five Provinces

The Ebola outbreak continues to raise concern as the reported death toll has surpassed 2,000, with the outbreak spreading across five provinces.

Health authorities and medical teams are stepping up surveillance, testing, treatment and containment measures as they work to limit further transmission. The widening outbreak is placing additional pressure on local healthcare systems and communities in the affected regions.

The situation remains closely monitored as authorities work to identify cases, trace contacts and strengthen infection-control measures.

Ebola Outbreak Spreads Across Five Provinces

Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda, announced a lockdown in two districts that are the center of an Ebola outbreak on Saturday (October 15), issued a nighttime curfew, and closed public spaces.

Since the epidemic was initially reported on September 20, the health ministry claimed that there have been 19 deaths and 59 confirmed cases of the lethal viral hemorrhagic fever. Despite a couple of positive tests, authorities claim that the outbreak is limited to the country's central regions.

In a televised address on Saturday, Museveni ordered Mubende and Kassandra for immediate lockdowns, imposed a curfew, banned travel, and even shot down markets, and churches for 21 days.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/ebola-outbreak-us-announces-tighter-screening-for-those-traveled-to-uganda-523395">Also read |&nbsp;Ebola outbreak: US announces tighter screening for Uganda travellers</a>

Museveni, being a former guerilla leader, said, "I now direct as follows: movements now into and out of Mubende and Kassandra districts are now prohibited. If you are in Mubende and Kassandra districts, stay there for 21 days, AFP reported.

He added that any form of transportation was to be put on hold in the meantime. However, cargo trucks will be permitted.&nbsp;

He has also ordered police to detain anyone believed to have contracted the virus who refused to go into isolation and ordered traditional doctors to treat sick people.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/uganda-ebola-infections-on-the-rise-23-deaths-linked-520185">Also read |&nbsp;Uganda: Ebola infections on the rise, 23 deaths linked</a>

To recognise the virus, some symptoms of Ebola include fever, vomiting, bleeding, and diarrhea.

The last fatalities reported in Uganda were in the year 2019.&nbsp;

The Sudan Ebola virus or which currently there are no vaccines is the strain in Uganda presently.&nbsp;

However, according to the World Health Organisation, clinical trials for medicines and vaccines to treat the virus are on the way.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

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Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda, announced a lockdown in two districts that are the center of an Ebola outbreak on Saturday (October 15), issued a nighttime curfew, and closed public spaces.

Yoweri Museveni, the president of Uganda, announced a lockdown in two districts that are the center of an Ebola outbreak on Saturday (October 15), issued a nighttime curfew, and closed public spaces. Since the epidemic was initially reported on September 20, the health ministry claimed that there have been 19 deaths and 59 confirmed cases of the lethal viral hemorrhagic fever. Despite a couple of positive tests, authorities claim that the outbreak is limited to the country's central regions. In a televised address on Saturday, Museveni ordered Mubende and Kassandra for immediate lockdowns, imposed a curfew, banned travel, and even shot down markets, and churches for 21 days. Also read | Ebola outbreak: US announces tighter screening for Uganda travellers Museveni, being a former guerilla leader, said, "I now direct as follows: movements now into and out of Mubende and Kassandra districts are now prohibited. If you are in Mubende and Kassandra districts, stay there for 21 days, AFP reported. He added that any form of transportation was to be put on hold in the meantime. However, cargo trucks will be permitted. He has also ordered police to detain anyone believed to have contracted the virus who refused to go into isolation and ordered traditional doctors to treat sick people. Also read | Uganda: Ebola infections on the rise, 23 deaths linked To recognise the virus, some symptoms of Ebola include fever, vomiting, bleeding, and diarrhea. The last fatalities reported in Uganda were in the year 2019. The Sudan Ebola virus or which currently there are no vaccines is the strain in Uganda presently. However, according to the World Health Organisation, clinical trials for medicines and vaccines to treat the virus are on the way. (With inputs from agencies)  WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Uganda's president declares lockdown for three weeks over Ebola outbreak 

Forty-nine individuals have been identified who were in contact with a young Guinean woman who tested positive for the Ebola virus in Ivory Coast's biggest city Abidjan, the UN health agency said Thursday.

The 18-year-old had travelled to Abidjan by bus from Labe in northern Guinea, a journey of some 1,500 kilometres (950 miles) that traverses a densely-forested region where Ebola epidemics broke out earlier this year and 2013-16.

It is Ivory Coast's first known case of the disease since 1994.

Ebola, which is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding.

Contact cases were identified from among fellow bus passengers as well as "among families at the starting point in Labe," WHO specialist Georges Ki-Zerbo told an online press conference of the World Health Organization's Africa branch.

A senior health official in Labe, Elhadj Mamadou Houdy Bah, on Wednesday had said 58 contact cases had been identified there, and none had any sign of the disease.

An Ivorian doctor told the WHO press conference that 70 people were aboard the bus, of whom 33 arrived in Abidjan, while the others are scattered across Ivory Coast.

The bus made stops in the western towns of Duekoue and Guezabo and in the administrative capital Yamoussoukro, he said.

"Through networking, we were able to home in on the communities" where the fellow passengers live, Health Minister Pierre Demba added.

"We are stressing the need for vigilance" by all health structures to spot any further cases, he said.

Three suspected cases have tested negative, according to Ivorian health authorities.

Demba travelled Wednesday to the Ivorian-Guinean border to raise awareness of the need for vigilance.

Matshidiso Moeti, the director of WHO-Africa, praised the two countries' "remarkable solidarity" over the Ebola situation and the swiftness of the Ivorian response.

'Doubts' over diagnosis

Guinea, with aid from the WHO, sent 5,000 doses of the Ebola vaccine to Ivory Coast two days after the young woman's infection emerged.

Vaccinations began in the country on Monday.

However, Guinean authorities on Thursday asked for a review of the initial diagnosis of the Guinean woman.&nbsp;

"The improvement in symptoms... in 48 hours raises questions, given the typical course of the disease," Guinean Health Minister Remy Lamah wrote in a letter to the WHO seen by AFP.

The minister also said that a Guinean medical team sent to Abidjan could not gain access to the patient.

The city of Labe, where the young woman is from, recorded no cases of Ebola during the previous outbreaks in Guinea, Lamah wrote.

He requested a "reconfirmation" of her infection by the Pasteur Institute in the Senegalese capital Dakar, which is a reference lab for West Africa, "and if possible by another accredited laboratory."

The 2013-16 Ebola epidemic left 11,300 people dead in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, including 2,300 people in Guinea.

A four-month outbreak in Guinea claimed 12 lives in Guinea this year before being declared over on June 19.

Forty-nine individuals have been identified who were in contact with a young Guinean woman who tested positive for the Ebola virus in Ivory Coast's biggest city Abidjan, the UN health agency said Thursday.

Forty-nine individuals have been identified who were in contact with a young Guinean woman who tested positive for the Ebola virus in Ivory Coast's biggest city Abidjan, the UN health agency said Thursday. The 18-year-old had travelled to Abidjan by bus from Labe in northern Guinea, a journey of some 1,500 kilometres (950 miles) that traverses a densely-forested region where Ebola epidemics broke out earlier this year and 2013-16. It is Ivory Coast's first known case of the disease since 1994. Ebola, which is transmitted through close contact with bodily fluids, causes severe fever and, in the worst cases, unstoppable bleeding. Contact cases were identified from among fellow bus passengers as well as "among families at the starting point in Labe," WHO specialist Georges Ki-Zerbo told an online press conference of the World Health Organization's Africa branch. A senior health official in Labe, Elhadj Mamadou Houdy Bah, on Wednesday had said 58 contact cases had been identified there, and none had any sign of the disease. An Ivorian doctor told the WHO press conference that 70 people were aboard the bus, of whom 33 arrived in Abidjan, while the others are scattered across Ivory Coast. The bus made stops in the western towns of Duekoue and Guezabo and in the administrative capital Yamoussoukro, he said. "Through networking, we were able to home in on the communities" where the fellow passengers live, Health Minister Pierre Demba added. "We are stressing the need for vigilance" by all health structures to spot any further cases, he said. Three suspected cases have tested negative, according to Ivorian health authorities. Demba travelled Wednesday to the Ivorian-Guinean border to raise awareness of the need for vigilance. Matshidiso Moeti, the director of WHO-Africa, praised the two countries' "remarkable solidarity" over the Ebola situation and the swiftness of the Ivorian response. 'Doubts' over diagnosis Guinea, with aid from the WHO, sent 5,000 doses of the Ebola vaccine to Ivory Coast two days after the young woman's infection emerged. Vaccinations began in the country on Monday. However, Guinean authorities on Thursday asked for a review of the initial diagnosis of the Guinean woman. "The improvement in symptoms... in 48 hours raises questions, given the typical course of the disease," Guinean Health Minister Remy Lamah wrote in a letter to the WHO seen by AFP. The minister also said that a Guinean medical team sent to Abidjan could not gain access to the patient. The city of Labe, where the young woman is from, recorded no cases of Ebola during the previous outbreaks in Guinea, Lamah wrote. He requested a "reconfirmation" of her infection by the Pasteur Institute in the Senegalese capital Dakar, which is a reference lab for West Africa, "and if possible by another accredited laboratory." The 2013-16 Ebola epidemic left 11,300 people dead in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, including 2,300 people in Guinea. A four-month outbreak in Guinea claimed 12 lives in Guinea this year before being declared over on June 19.

WHO says 49 Ebola contact cases identified in Ivory Coast

A new crisis has erupted in Africa - an outbreak of Ebola in Guinea and Congo. Five people have died in Guinea so far and six African countries have been put on alert.

In Africa, healthcare workers donning PPEs are fighting Ebola after new cases emerged in the region. Both Guinea and Congo experienced the world’s worst Ebola outbreaks earlier

On Sunday, Guinea announced that it has recorded 10 suspected cases so far, with five deaths. The country is still recovering from the last ebola outbreak and struggling with coronavirus.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/guinea-declares-ebola-epidemic-after-three-confirmed-deaths-363642" hreflang="en">Guinea declares Ebola 'epidemic' after three confirmed deaths</a>

The western Ebola outbreak began right here in 2014, and by the time it ended in 2016 there were more than 28,000 cases, and 11,000 deaths. The prospect of a second onslaught has scared the locals.

Meanwhile, Congo has confirmed four new cases and two deaths this month. The earlier outbreak of Ebola lasted almost two years here and killed more than 2,000 people. An emergency vaccination drive has begun, and more than 50 high risk contacts have been given the shots. There are supplies to vaccinate 16,000 people, but it may not be enough.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/scientist-who-discovered-ebola-warns-of-deadlier-diseases-in-the-future-351761" hreflang="en">Scientist who discovered Ebola warns of deadlier diseases in the future</a>

The World Health Organization has sounded an alarm, and six African countries are on alert including Sierra Leone and Liberia. Ebola has an average case fatality rate of 50 per cent though it can vary by outbreak.

African countries are not completely defenceless as vaccines and treatments have been developed in recent years. New treatments and surveillance systems helped in ending the last epidemic. But the early signs this time are worrying. Guinea has already declared its outbreak an epidemic.

A new crisis has erupted in Africa - an outbreak of Ebola in Guinea and Congo. Five people have died in Guinea so far and six African countries have been put on alert.

A new crisis has erupted in Africa - an outbreak of Ebola in Guinea and Congo. Five people have died in Guinea so far and six African countries have been put on alert. In Africa, healthcare workers donning PPEs are fighting Ebola after new cases emerged in the region. Both Guinea and Congo experienced the world’s worst Ebola outbreaks earlier On Sunday, Guinea announced that it has recorded 10 suspected cases so far, with five deaths. The country is still recovering from the last ebola outbreak and struggling with coronavirus. Also read: Guinea declares Ebola 'epidemic' after three confirmed deaths The western Ebola outbreak began right here in 2014, and by the time it ended in 2016 there were more than 28,000 cases, and 11,000 deaths. The prospect of a second onslaught has scared the locals. Meanwhile, Congo has confirmed four new cases and two deaths this month. The earlier outbreak of Ebola lasted almost two years here and killed more than 2,000 people. An emergency vaccination drive has begun, and more than 50 high risk contacts have been given the shots. There are supplies to vaccinate 16,000 people, but it may not be enough. Also read: Scientist who discovered Ebola warns of deadlier diseases in the future The World Health Organization has sounded an alarm, and six African countries are on alert including Sierra Leone and Liberia. Ebola has an average case fatality rate of 50 per cent though it can vary by outbreak. African countries are not completely defenceless as vaccines and treatments have been developed in recent years. New treatments and surveillance systems helped in ending the last epidemic. But the early signs this time are worrying. Guinea has already declared its outbreak an epidemic.

African countries are facing a new crisis - an Ebola outbreak

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed more than 2,000 lives out of a total of 3,000 recorded cases since August last year, health officials said Friday.

"In total, there have been 2,006 deaths (1,901 confirmed and 105 probable)," officials said in a bulletin dated Thursday.

"Since the start of the epidemic, the number of cases is 3,004, including 2,899 confirmed and 105 probable," it added.

The outbreak of the haemorrhagic virus began in North Kivu province in eastern DR Congo on August 1, 2018 and spread to Ituri province.

Officials also reported that some 902 people were cured of the disease.

Ebola is named after a river in northern DR Congo, formerly named Zaire, where the virus was first identified in 1976.

The latest outbreak is the second-deadliest on record after more than 11,000 people were killed in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia between 2014 and 2016.

The WHO has declared the epidemic a "public health emergency of international concern" and so far nearly 200,000 people have been vaccinated.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed more than 2,000 lives out of a total of 3,000 recorded cases since August last year, health officials said Friday.

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed more than 2,000 lives out of a total of 3,000 recorded cases since August last year, health officials said Friday. "In total, there have been 2,006 deaths (1,901 confirmed and 105 probable)," officials said in a bulletin dated Thursday. "Since the start of the epidemic, the number of cases is 3,004, including 2,899 confirmed and 105 probable," it added. The outbreak of the haemorrhagic virus began in North Kivu province in eastern DR Congo on August 1, 2018 and spread to Ituri province. Officials also reported that some 902 people were cured of the disease. Ebola is named after a river in northern DR Congo, formerly named Zaire, where the virus was first identified in 1976. The latest outbreak is the second-deadliest on record after more than 11,000 people were killed in Guinea, Sierra Leone and Liberia between 2014 and 2016. The WHO has declared the epidemic a "public health emergency of international concern" and so far nearly 200,000 people have been vaccinated.

DR Congo Ebola death toll passes 2,000: Official

The first Ebola patient in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's largest city, Goma, has died, the government said on Tuesday.&nbsp;

The spread of the virus to Goma, a city of roughly 1 million people on the border with Rwanda, has raised fears the outbreak, which is already the second deadliest Ebola epidemic ever, could spread more widely.&nbsp;

The patient was a priest who became infected during a visit to the town of Butembo, one of the epicenters of the outbreak, before taking a bus to Goma, according to Congo`s health ministry.

He was being driven from Goma to a clinic in Butembo on Monday to receive treatment when he died, North Kivu province`s Governor Carly Nzanzu told an Ebola response meeting.&nbsp;

The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that health officials had identified 60 people who had come into contact with the pastor since he was taken ill and that half of them had been vaccinated.&nbsp;

Goma, a lakeside city more than 350 kilometers (220 miles) south of where Ebola was first detected a year ago, is the largest city to be affected by the outbreak, which has infected more than 2,500 people and killed nearly 1,700.

Three Ebola cases that originated in Congo were confirmed in neighboring Uganda a month ago, but no new cases have since been registered in that country.&nbsp;

The first Ebola patient in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's largest city, Goma, has died, the government said on Tuesday. The spread of the virus to Goma, a city of roughly 1 million people on the border with Rwanda, has raised fears the outbreak, which is already the second deadliest Ebola epidemic ever, could spread more widely.

The first Ebola patient in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo's largest city, Goma, has died, the government said on Tuesday. The spread of the virus to Goma, a city of roughly 1 million people on the border with Rwanda, has raised fears the outbreak, which is already the second deadliest Ebola epidemic ever, could spread more widely. The patient was a priest who became infected during a visit to the town of Butembo, one of the epicenters of the outbreak, before taking a bus to Goma, according to Congo`s health ministry. He was being driven from Goma to a clinic in Butembo on Monday to receive treatment when he died, North Kivu province`s Governor Carly Nzanzu told an Ebola response meeting. The World Health Organization (WHO) said on Monday that health officials had identified 60 people who had come into contact with the pastor since he was taken ill and that half of them had been vaccinated. Goma, a lakeside city more than 350 kilometers (220 miles) south of where Ebola was first detected a year ago, is the largest city to be affected by the outbreak, which has infected more than 2,500 people and killed nearly 1,700. Three Ebola cases that originated in Congo were confirmed in neighboring Uganda a month ago, but no new cases have since been registered in that country.

First Ebola patient in eastern Congo's main city dies

The death toll from an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 118, authorities have said, with three children among the recent victims.

The outbreak was first detected on August 1, with the health ministry confirming the latest toll on Tuesday and saying seven new cases had been confirmed, six of them in Beni, not far from the Ugandan border.

More than 15,000 people have now been vaccinated against the virus, it said.&nbsp;

This latest outbreak -- the 10th in DR Congo since Ebola was first detected there in 1976 -- emerged in a highly-restive northeastern region home to a clutch of armed groups which lies near the border with Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan.

The authorities in Beni have announced measures to protect health workers from attacks after a number of incidents where response teams were assaulted.

Ebola response teams will be able to "call on law enforcement officers for safe and dignified collections and burials," the ministry said.

Red Cross volunteers were injured during the burial of a suspected Ebola victim last week.&nbsp;

Traditional healers should also "refer all suspicious cases to the Ebola treatment centre or face... being banned from practising any form of medicine," the ministry said. 
In late September, the World Health Organization said it had revised its Ebola risk assessment in DR Congo from high to "very high".

The WHO cited transport links and population movements as potential risk factors, while stressing that the global risk remained low.

The death toll from an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 118, authorities have said, with three children among the recent victims.

The death toll from an Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 118, authorities have said, with three children among the recent victims. The outbreak was first detected on August 1, with the health ministry confirming the latest toll on Tuesday and saying seven new cases had been confirmed, six of them in Beni, not far from the Ugandan border. More than 15,000 people have now been vaccinated against the virus, it said. This latest outbreak -- the 10th in DR Congo since Ebola was first detected there in 1976 -- emerged in a highly-restive northeastern region home to a clutch of armed groups which lies near the border with Uganda, Rwanda and South Sudan. The authorities in Beni have announced measures to protect health workers from attacks after a number of incidents where response teams were assaulted. Ebola response teams will be able to "call on law enforcement officers for safe and dignified collections and burials," the ministry said. Red Cross volunteers were injured during the burial of a suspected Ebola victim last week. Traditional healers should also "refer all suspicious cases to the Ebola treatment centre or face... being banned from practising any form of medicine," the ministry said. In late September, the World Health Organization said it had revised its Ebola risk assessment in DR Congo from high to "very high". The WHO cited transport links and population movements as potential risk factors, while stressing that the global risk remained low.

Ebola death toll rises in DR Congo

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