Children bearing heavy Ebola burden in DR Congo

Children are bearing a heavy burden in the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, the World Health Organization (WHO) and humanitarian partners said Sunday.

Since the start of the outbreak in May, more than 11,000 cases, including 5,400 deaths, have been reported, according to official data.

"Children account for more than a quarter of confirmed cases and one third of deaths. Seven in 10 children under five with confirmed Ebola have died," WHO said in a statement.

The current outbreak in Congo has affected eight provinces: Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Bas-Uele, Tshopo, South-Ubangi and North Ubangi.

WHO said the Ebola outbreak continues to expand, particularly in affected areas, fueled by ongoing conflict, displacement and humanitarian needs.

It warned that while the response has slowed transmission in the initial epicenters, 400 to 500 new cases continue to be reported each week.

WHO also pointed out that the high number of deaths occurring in communities, which account for two-thirds of confirmed deaths, shows that infections are still being identified too late.

There is currently no approved vaccine against the Bundibugyo virus strain, which was first declared in Congo in mid-May.

Four African countries have been affected so far by the current Ebola outbreak, including Congo, Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria.

"Recent imported cases in Kenya and Nigeria underscore the continuing risk of spread beyond national borders," WHO said.