WHO estimates fewer Ebola cases in Congo than previously thought

The World Health Organization on Tuesday revealed that the number of suspected Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of ‌Congo has plunged. 

Authorities attributed hundreds of potential cases to other diseases or fevers, bringing the latest number of suspected Ebola cases to 116, down from 906 recorded last week. 

“They have been cleared out and have either other diseases or have just had fever and nothing else,” WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier told reporters in Geneva, explaining how officials have ruled out suspected cases. 

There are 321 confirmed cases in the Congo, and nine confirmed cases in neighboring Uganda, according to the WHO. The Ugandan Health Ministry has confirmed six new cases, bringing the total confirmed in the country to 15.

Officials believe 48 people have died from Ebola in Congo, and one person has died from the virus in Uganda. 

Violence in the region has thwarted efforts to contain and control Ebola,