The Democratic Republic of Congo confirmed 13 new Ebola cases in its northeast on Wednesday, one of the highest daily totals recorded since the outbreak began in July, according to the health ministry.
Health ministry spokeswoman Jessica Ilunga described the figure as “pretty exceptional” after the ministry published the data in its daily epidemic bulletin.
The outbreak has now infected more than 380 people and killed about two-thirds of them, making it the worst Ebola crisis in Congo’s history.
Efforts to contain the disease have been repeatedly undermined by armed groups operating in the region. Health teams have also faced resistance from some local communities, which has complicated the rollout of medical advice and control measures.
The World Health Organization’s emergency committee warned in October that the situation could deteriorate sharply unless the response was strengthened.
Treatment, vaccination campaigns and safe burials have all been disrupted by the violence and by continuing mistrust of health directives.
Last Wednesday, clashes with militias near the outbreak’s epicentre left 12 Congolese soldiers and seven UN peacekeepers dead.
