HEALTH

Congo reports 5 new Ebola deaths; UN worker is infected

The Associated Press Published Friday, October 12, 2018 3:52PM EDT

In this Wednesday, May 30, 2018 file photo, a healthcare worker from the World Health Organization, left, gives an Ebola vaccination to a front line aid worker who will then go to vaccinate people who might potentially have the virus, in Mbandaka, Congo. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick, File)

Text:

BENI, Congo -- Congo is reporting five new confirmed Ebola deaths in its latest outbreak, while a worker with the United Nations peacekeeping mission is among several new cases under treatment.

Congo's health ministry says the number of confirmed Ebola cases is now 170, including 95 deaths, as health workers express concern at the rising rate of new infections since the beginning of this month.

Friday's statement says the plumber with the U.N. mission was infected while spending time at a traditional healing centre where an Ebola victim was being cared for before being transferred to a specialized treatment centre.

The plumber is being treated in Beni, where most of the newly confirmed deaths occurred. The community is the centre of regional Ebola containment efforts.

The plumber's colleagues are receiving Ebola vaccinations.