The death toll from Ebola virus disease in the Democratic Republic of Congo has exceeded 300, health authorities confirmed on Thursday. The epidemic, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has spread across 34 health zones and remains active in three provinces: Ituri, the epicenter of the crisis, North Kivu, and South Kivu.
Confirmed Cases and Fatality Rate
According to the latest situation update from the Health Ministry, the number of confirmed cases has climbed to 1,155 since the outbreak was declared on May 15. The death toll now stands at 304, yielding a fatality rate of 26.3%. The ministry also reported that 16 newly recovered patients in Ituri tested negative in control tests, bringing total recoveries to 138.
Funding Needs and Pledges
Earlier on Thursday, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) stated that the continental Ebola outbreak response and preparedness plan requires $1.4 billion. Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya told a virtual news briefing that the funding is essential for the combined humanitarian and health aspects of the response. During a recent African Union-led high-level meeting, African states and partners pledged $910 million towards the response. However, Kaseya noted that only 13% of the pledged funding has been released to affected countries and operational response partners so far.
Government Measures
In an effort to curb the spread of the disease, the Congolese government has imposed a 21-day mandatory quarantine on travelers arriving from Ebola-affected areas.
