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DR Congo Ebola death toll tops 1,900 as cases rise

Health

DR Congo’s Ebola outbreak has killed 1,916 people and produced 4,209 confirmed cases, according to official data through Aug. 7. That raises the death toll 29 above the 1,887 figure reported in the earlier update. Health authorities also counted 595 patients receiving care in isolation. Another 828 people have recovered from the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak.

Obesity linked to 8.2% of Belgium deaths in new health report

Health

Obesity was linked to 9,509 deaths in Belgium during 2022, representing 8.2 percent of total national mortality. Weight-related complications caused more than one death per hour nationwide, resulting in over 150,000 lost years of life. Cardiovascular complications were the primary contributor to mortality, with coronary heart diseases accounting for 2,009 deaths. Demographic breakdowns showed mortality risks associated with elevated weight increase with age, with individuals aged 65 and older experiencing the highest concentration of health complications. Regional analysis revealed pronounced disparities in mortality rates tied to excessive weight across different regions of Belgium.

Moderna begins Ebola vaccine trial amid DR Congo outbreak

Health

The study will operate at three Canadian sites and enroll about 80 healthy adults. Researchers will assess the vaccine’s safety, tolerability and ability to produce an immune response. The trial will not determine whether the vaccine prevents infection because Phase 1 studies focus on early safety data. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations has committed up to $50 million for preclinical work, the trial and production of additional research doses.

DR Congo Ebola outbreak reaches record scale

Health

The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has become the country’s largest recorded epidemic. Health authorities counted 3,605 confirmed cases through July 30, including 1,587 deaths. The case fatality rate stood at 44%. Teams logged 567 infections and 296 deaths during the latest full reporting week. Those figures marked the highest weekly totals since the outbreak began. The surge placed further pressure on surveillance, treatment and community response operations.