Figures contained in a report by the Ebola response team released on September 25 show that 56 new cases were recorded on September 24, down from 70 the previous day. This represents a 20% decline, although health authorities say challenges remain in containing the outbreak.
The decline was most notable in North Kivu, where new cases fell from 31 to 17 in 24 hours. In Ituri, however, cases increased from 31 to 35. The province accounts for 76.4% of all recorded infections. Haut-Uélé recorded three new cases, while Bas-Uélé reported one.
The report said 2,001 people have recovered, including 35 who were discharged on September 24, while 848 others remain in isolation. Of the 62 health zones that have recorded at least one case, 56 across six provinces still have active cases.
Despite the decline in new infections, many people continue to die outside Ebola treatment facilities. Of the 34 deaths recorded in the 24-hour period, 23 occurred in communities, including nine in Mandima, Ituri, and seven in Beni, North Kivu. Beni also recorded 12 of the 17 new cases reported in North Kivu.
Contact tracing has also declined, with coverage falling from 83.4% to 79.2% in one day. In Tshopo, the rate has dropped to 34.8%, raising concerns that some infections may not be detected early.
The Ebola response is also facing shortages of supplies, delays in vaccination and inadequate treatment facilities. In North Kivu, 114 patients are still being treated in facilities that do not meet required standards. In Bunia, 135 people were vaccinated within 24 hours, against a daily target of 300.
Health authorities have called for increased surveillance along the DRC-South Sudan border and greater preparedness in provinces along the Congo River to prevent further spread of the outbreak.
Source : https://new.igihe.com/english/ebola-cases-in-dr-congo-surpass-8000/
