The Democratic Republic of Congo announces 37 new Ebola virus deaths in 24 hours

Algiers, July 20 (KUNA) -- The Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Ministry of Health announced on Monday the registration of 37 new deaths from the Ebola virus over the past 24 hours, marking one of the highest daily death tolls recorded since the onset of the current outbreak. This brings the total number of fatalities to 930 out of 2,344 confirmed cases.

In a statement, the ministry said that the spread of the virus in the eastern part of the country is the fastest since May 15, attributing it to the Bundibugyo strain, a rare variant for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists.

The ministry added that health authorities are facing significant challenges due to the deteriorating security situation in Ituri province, the hardest-hit area. There has been a sharp rise in the number of people seeking care at medical facilities and from medical teams, with 36 health workers having died after contracting the virus.

The Ministry of Health noted that 724 patients are currently receiving treatment in isolation centers and hospitals, with 22 new recoveries recorded in the past 24 hours, as efforts to contain the outbreak continue. (End) M.R. / K.A.H.