Congolese authorities have reported one of the highest daily increases in Ebola cases, as the virus spreads quickly and surveillance efforts improve in the month-old outbreak in one of the world’s most challenging regions.
Congo’s Ministry of Health on Sunday said 72 new cases were reported in a 24-hour period, bringing the total number of confirmed cases to 782. Those include 181 confirmed deaths, with 29 new ones.
The ministry said that while the numbers show the outbreak is spreading rapidly, it also reflects more active surveillance. “Community members are reporting suspected cases, and response teams are investigating them,” it said on X.
The number of cases in what could become history’s worst Ebola outbreak is believed to be higher because the outbreak was confirmed on May 15, weeks after it is suspected to have begun.
The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which was not tested for
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