Ebola Death Toll Approaches 500 in Africa as Cases Exceed 1,500

As the Ebola outbreak continues in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, the death toll has neared 500.

According to Yonhap News on July 5, the Congolese Ministry of Communication reported that as of July 3, the total number of confirmed Ebola cases in the country has reached 1,528, an increase of 26 from the previous day. The death toll stands at 492, resulting in a fatality rate of 32.2%. The number of patients who have recovered after treatment has also risen by 26, bringing the total to 239.

In neighboring Uganda, no new confirmed cases have been reported since the 20th infection was identified on June 21. The outbreak has resulted in two deaths in Uganda, with 16 patients declared cured as of July 2.

In Europe, there have been reports of recoveries as well. AFP reported that a medical worker who was the first to test positive for the Ebola virus in France last month has completed treatment and been discharged. This doctor had returned from humanitarian work in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and tested positive shortly after arriving home on June 23.