WHO reports Bundibugyo virus outbreak now reaches 63 health zones in DR Congo

The Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has expanded to 63 health zones across seven provinces, according to the World Health Organization. The agency said the increase followed the identification of infections in two additional health zones. WHO’s latest update recorded 7,890 confirmed cases and 3,799 deaths.

The reported crude case fatality ratio was 48.1 per cent. The newly affected locations are Bulu health zone in Sud Ubangi province and Dungu health zone in Haut-Uélé province, which borders South Sudan. WHO said the geographical spread had increased the risk of transmission across international borders, particularly because some cases were detected near border areas.

The outbreak currently affects Bas-Uélé, Haut-Uélé, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Sud Ubangi and Tshopo provinces, the agency said, citing its situation update as of 23 September. WHO reported that the number of new cases being recorded each day remained high nationally, although transmission levels differed considerably between provinces and individual health zones. The agency said the continued high fatality ratio and persistent community deaths illustrated the seriousness of the outbreak and the difficulties involved in identifying cases early.

It warned that delays in diagnosis and access to suitable treatment could lead to preventable deaths. WHO also said late detection could allow the virus to continue spreading within households, communities and healthcare facilities. The agency’s statement did not provide further details about measures being taken in the newly affected zones.