The World Health Organization (WHO) reported in a statement released on Monday that although adults constitute the majority of cases, children under five years old have the highest mortality rate, exceeding 60%, compared to approximately 40% observed among adults.
The health agency added that these children also account for the majority of deaths occurring outside Ebola treatment centers, whether in residences or in health units where they are not identified as carriers of the disease.
Daniel Youkee, head of the WHO's Ebola case management team, explained that young individuals have reduced physiological reserves and immune systems that are still developing, thus requiring continuous monitoring and specialized care.
The specialist emphasized the urgency of a broader and improved technical distribution of equipment and medication, given that these resources are not always readily accessible.
Youkee detailed that standardized supply kits must include materials appropriate for pediatric size, in addition to medication with specific dosage and presentation for children. Furthermore, personnel must receive training focused on pediatric guidelines.
The National Institute of Public Health (INSP) reported in its latest epidemiological bulletin on Monday that the current epidemic has already resulted in the death of 3,699 people and confirmed a total of 7,672 cases. In the last 24 hours, 23 deaths and 58 new cases were recorded.
INSP also pointed out that on the last day, there were 15 confirmed discharges of patients diagnosed with Ebola, raising the number of people who have overcome the illness to 1,879. Currently, there are 886 individuals hospitalized or in isolation.
The institute highlighted that due to this data, the cumulative mortality rate to date reaches 48.2%. According to WHO information, this Ebola outbreak in DRCongo is the deadliest in the country's history, surpassing the record set between 2018 and 2020.
