DR Congo Ebola outbreak claims over 5,000 lives

The grim milestone was announced on Friday, as authorities continue to struggle to contain the spread.

More than 10,000 people have contracted the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola within the DRC.

There are currently no approved treatments or vaccines available to combat this particular strain.

Challenges including delayed detection, ongoing conflict, and overburdened healthcare systems have contributed to the rapid spread of the virus, impacting eight of the DRC’s 26 provinces.

The outbreak has also crossed international borders, with Nigeria reporting its first case last week. This expands the geographic reach of the outbreak into West Africa, adding to previous cases reported in East African nations like Kenya and Uganda.

This year’s outbreak ranks as the second largest ever recorded, trailing only the devastating 2014-2016 epidemic that impacted Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone, resulting in over 28,600 infections and more than 11,000 fatalities.

In response to the escalating situation, several governments have implemented travel restrictions and quarantine measures.

Saudi Arabia announced on Friday that it has suspended travel to and from Kenya, according to the Saudi Press Agency. This includes restrictions on Saudi citizens traveling to Kenya and a halt to visa issuance for travelers from the country. Additionally, entry is prohibited for individuals who have recently been in Kenya or other affected areas within the past 21 days, even if transiting through other nations.

Previously, in June, Saudi Arabia imposed similar travel restrictions on the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan.