Ebola update: Case count nears 500, Increases reported in Butembo and Katwa

In a update on the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, the Democratic Republic of the Congo Health Ministry is now reporting 498 cumulative cases (450 confirmed) and 285 deaths (237 confirmed).

In the past six weeks, a significant increase in Ebola cases and deaths has been observed in Butembo and Katwa, mainly due to the reluctance of the population, the destruction of health infrastructure and the physical aggression of the response teams.

Despite the difficulties, additional teams are being sent to Butembo and neighboring health zones on a daily basis to strengthen all pillars of the response in these areas.

The World Health Organization says the EVD outbreak in Democratic Republic of the Congo continues to be of significant concern, with continuing insecurity and community resistance, with the burning of two health facilities in Katwa particularly worrying. Particular challenges lie in investigating new confirmed cases without clear epidemiological links to other cases, the need to strengthen contact monitoring in Beni and Komanda and the need to intensify community engagement in Katwa.