What to know about the Ebola outbreak that has spread from Congo to 4 other countries

Live updates

1. 3h ago

   Ebola Outbreak Spreads from Congo to 4 Other Countries

   The Ebola outbreak that started in Congo has spread to four other countries: Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and an unspecified fifth country. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus, has resulted in 9704 confirmed cases and 4687 deaths in Congo as of October 20. The first cases in Nigeria and Kenya may have crossed paths at an Uganda airport. The World Health Organization has warned of a 'more complex' outbreak.

   Why it matters

   The Ebola outbreak is significant because it has spread farther across Africa than any previous outbreak, reaching three regions. The disease has a high case fatality ratio of 48.3% in Congo. The outbreak began in May and has been challenging to control due to difficulties in early case detection and timely access to care.

   What is confirmed

   • The Ebola outbreak in Congo has resulted in 9704 confirmed cases and 4687 deaths as of October 20.
   • The outbreak has spread to Nigeria, Uganda, Kenya, and another unspecified country.
   • The World Health Organization has warned of a 'more complex' Ebola outbreak now present in multiple African countries.
   • The first laboratory-confirmed imported case of Ebola in Kenya was reported on October 6.
   • Sustained, high-level transmission continues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The fifth country affected by the Ebola outbreak is France.

   What to watch next

   • Further updates on the number of cases and deaths in each country
   • Investigations into the potential connection between the first cases in Nigeria and Kenya
   • The World Health Organization's response to the outbreak
   Sources used for this update (13)

   1. The New York Times — Nigeria Announces First Case of Ebola in Current Outbreak
   2. AP News — Ebola has spread from Congo to 4 other countries. A look at where things stand
   3. dw.com — Africa CDC calls crisis meeting as Ebola spreads to Nigeria
   4. Reuters — WHO was not told that Nigeria's Ebola patient travelled to Congo, official says
   5. BBC — Nigerian Ebola survivor: 'How I survive Ebola for Nigeria' - Survivor share experience
   6. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — First Ebola patients in Nigeria and Kenya might have crossed paths at Uganda airport
   7. Al Jazeera — WHO warns ‘more complex’ Ebola outbreak now present in 3 African countries
   8. BBC — Nigeria and Kenya Ebola patients may have crossed paths at Uganda airport, officials say
   9. economictimes.indiatimes.com — What to know about the Ebola outbreak that has spread from Congo to 4 other countries - The Economic Times
   10. www.winnipegfreepress.com — Ebola has spread from Congo to 4 other countries. A look at where things stand – Winnipeg Free Press
   11. medicalxpress.com — What to know about the Ebola outbreak that has spread from ...
   12. www.mercurynews.com — What to know about Ebola outbreak that has spread from Congo
   confidence 90%