The Latest: Ebola deaths top 1,000 in Congo outbreak

GENEVA (AP) — The Latest on the Ebola outbreak in Congo (all times local):

7:15 p.m.

Congo’s Health Ministry says more than 1,000 people have died in an Ebola outbreak that started in August.

Health Minister Oly Ilunga confirmed to The Associated Press on Friday that the number of infected people who have died reached 1,008.

Congolese health officials have operated treatment centers at the epicenter of the epidemic since international aid organizations pulled out amid deteriorating security conditions.

Doctors Without Borders and the International Rescue Committee suspend operations in the towns of Butembo and Kutwa. Vaccination campaigns also have slowed in areas too volatile for health personnel to visit.

Despite the mounting death toll, the World Health Organization has said the outbreak remains geographically isolated and hasn’t spread to neighboring countries.

1:30 p.m.

The World Health Organization says deaths from Congo’s latest Ebola outbreak are expected to exceed 1,000 later on Friday.

Michael Ryan, WHO’s emergencies chief, made the announcement at a news conference in Geneva.

The Ebola outbreak that was declared in eastern Congo in August is already the second deadliest outbreak in history, and efforts to control it have been complicated by a volatile security situation and deep community mistrust.

Ebola treatment centers have come under repeated attack, and a Cameroonian epidemiologist working with WHO was killed last month.

Ryan says another attempted attack was made on the treatment center in Butembo city on Thursday but was repelled by security personnel. No one was injured.

___

Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa

The Western Journal has not reviewed this Associated Press story prior to publication. Therefore, it may contain editorial bias or may in some other way not meet our normal editorial standards. It is provided to our readers as a service from The Western Journal.

Truth and Accuracy

Submit a Correction →

* Name

* Email

* Message

* All fields are required.

Success!

We are committed to truth and accuracy in all of our journalism. Read our editorial standards.

The Associated Press

SummaryMore Biographical InformationRecent PostsContact

The Associated Press is an independent, not-for-profit news cooperative headquartered in New York City. Their teams in over 100 countries tell the world’s stories, from breaking news to investigative reporting. They provide content and services to help engage audiences worldwide, working with companies of all types, from broadcasters to brands. Photo credit: @AP on Twitter

@AP

Facebook

The Associated Press was the first private sector organization in the U.S. to operate on a national scale. Over the past 170 years, they have been first to inform the world of many of history's most important moments, from the assassination of Abraham Lincoln and the bombing of Pearl Harbor to the fall of the Shah of Iran and the death of Pope John Paul.

Today, they operate in 263 locations in more than 100 countries relaying breaking news, covering war and conflict and producing enterprise reports that tell the world's stories.

Location

New York City

* Name

* Email

* Message

* All fields are required.

Success!

At Least 20 Dead After River Ferry Sinks: 'It's a Horrible Day'

US Judge Tosses Lawsuits Against Former Military Commander Accused of War Crimes

Kobe Bryant's Widow Gives Huge Gift to LA Team on Anniversary of His Last Game

Young Girl Dead, Boys 1 and 8 Listed in Critical Condition After Unthinkable US Shooting: 'Not a Random Act of Violence'

Dead Whale Found Washed Up on US Shore - Disturbing Injuries Found on the Massive Animal

See more...