Ebola cases surge in Congo as case count nears 1K

The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing a surge in Ebola infections after several weeks of decline, reporting 55 cases in just six days, according to CIDRAP News.

Four things to know:

1. Health officials reported 11 new Ebola cases March 21, bringing the total case count to 991. Of these cases, 926 are confirmed.

2. Officials also reported 614 confirmed and probable deaths linked to the outbreak. Another 230 suspected cases are still under investigation.

3. The sudden increase in cases "is not unexpected and, in part, likely a result of the increased security challenges," the World Health Organization said in a March 21 outbreak update. The group cited recent attacks on Ebola treatment centers and community mistrust as major factors hindering response efforts.

4. However, the WHO noted community acceptance to outbreak response efforts is improving. More than 90 percent of people eligible for the Ebola vaccine have received it. To date, health workers have administered 89,855 Ebola vaccines in Congo.

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