Ebola death toll in DR Congo passes 200, with Uganda and 10 other African countries at risk
The confirmed death toll in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak has passed 200. The World Health Organization said the virus is at risk of spreading to 11 neighbouring countries, including Uganda, and renewed its call for international donations.
WHO Africa director Matshidiso Moeti said confirmed cases have risen to 738 and deaths to 202, with most concentrated in Ituri and North Kivu provinces. The spread has been worsened by corridors that have been hard to access since late March because of conflict.
Uganda's Health Minister Jane Ruth Aceng confirmed that 247 people being monitored at the Mpondwe border crossing are being screened daily, with cases in her country still standing at five. Africa CDC head Jean Kaseya warned cases could double in the next 90 days and said the regional preparedness protocol has been updated for 11 countries.
About 42% of the WHO's $285 million emergency appeal has been met; the EU has pledged an additional €65 million and Japan $28 million. For a donors' conference planned for early September in Geneva, UN emergency relief coordinator Wosornu has suggested bringing the date forward.
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