ABUJA — Authorities in eastern Congo are shifting to a village-centered Ebola response as the Bundibugyo outbreak continues to outpace containment, Africa CDC said, with government data showing 6,250 cases and 3,039 deaths since mid-May, the Associated Press reported.
The outbreak has spread from three health zones to 60 across six provinces, fueled by insecurity, displacement, and population movement. Africa CDC said it has likely not yet peaked. Yap Boum of Africa CDC said responders are working with community leaders to rebuild trust in Ituri, where conflict complicates access.
A U.S. CDC assessment this week flagged gaps in contact tracing, undetected cases, saturated treatment centers, and safe burial practices. WHO has called the epidemic among the fastest-moving on record; there is no approved vaccine for Bundibugyo, though Ervebo is being given to some front-line workers under compassionate use. Health officials are also using anonymized mobile-phone mobility data with partners to anticipate spread corridors, including toward Kinshasa.
Sources: AP; TimesLIVE / WHO reporting.
