The Ebola outbreak spreading across the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in the country’s history, with more than 2,300 deaths recorded as health authorities struggle to contain the rapidly expanding crisis.
Government data released Monday showed that the outbreak has reached 4,945 cases, including 2,325 deaths. The outbreak is unfolding in one of Congo’s most vulnerable regions and has become the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever recorded in the country.
Outbreak surpasses previous Ebola crisis in Congo
This marks Congo’s 17th Ebola outbreak and has surpassed the country’s 2018-2020 outbreak, which resulted in 2,299 deaths from 3,481 cases.
The latest figures include 101 new cases and 33 deaths reported within a single 24-hour period. More than 1,000 people have recovered, while approximately 730 patients remain in hospitals or isolation facilities.
The World Health Organization has warned that the outbreak could eventually exceed the 2014-2016 Ebola epidemic in West Africa, which remains the deadliest Ebola outbreak globally with more than 11,000 deaths.
Community engagement remains a major challenge
Health workers say limited public awareness and community participation remain among the biggest obstacles to controlling the outbreak.
Trish Newport, emergency coordinator with Doctors Without Borders (MSF), said affected communities need better information about Ebola symptoms, prevention measures and how to seek treatment.
According to MSF, some families in Ituri province, the outbreak’s epicenter, have lost as many as 15 relatives to the disease. Health officials are calling for a rapid expansion of response efforts to prevent further deaths.
No approved vaccines or treatments for current virus strain
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare Ebola strain affecting six provinces in eastern Congo. There are currently no approved vaccines or treatments specifically available for this strain, although clinical trials are ongoing in Ituri.
Medical teams are facing additional difficulties, including unpaid health worker strikes, security threats from rebel groups, misinformation, poor road conditions and distrust among communities affected by years of conflict.
WHO warns outbreak is moving at exceptional pace
The World Health Organization said the outbreak continues to spread at an “exceptional pace,” reporting that the previous week saw a record 579 cases and 304 deaths.
The agency said response efforts are being expanded to slow transmission, but experts believe the virus may have been spreading in the mining town of Mongbwalu as early as February, months before authorities officially declared the outbreak on May 15.
International aid increases as response expands
The United Nations has increased support for the emergency response, with U.N. humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher announcing an additional $30.5 million in funding and the deployment of 20 additional staff members.
Fletcher described the outbreak as a warning that urgent action is needed, calling for greater speed, resources and international cooperation before the virus spreads further.
