Ebola Outbreak Becomes Deadliest in DR Congo's History
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the deadliest in the country's history, with 2,325 deaths recorded. Health authorities are struggling to contain the virus due to regional conflict, weak infrastructure, and public distrust.
Why it matters
The rapid spread of the virus and the failure of containment efforts pose a significant threat to regional stability and public health in Central Africa.
The Ebola Bundibugyo outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the country's deadliest Ebola outbreak, with 2,325 deaths, surpassing the 2,299 recorded during the 2018-2020 outbreak. The current outbreak has recorded 4,945 confirmed cases, with a fatality rate of 46%. 730 patients remain in isolation or hospital, and 1,040 have recovered.
WHO said that the outbreak is "outpacing the response", with conflict, weak health infrastructure and distrust of authorities hampering efforts to contain it. Vaccine trials are underway as there is no approved treatment for the strain. Neighbouring countries including South Sudan and the Central African Republic are strengthening surveillance and preparedness.
The UN has allocated $54.5 million to support the response, as WHO undertakes a major scale-up aimed at bringing transmission under control within three months.
Congo-Kinshasa: DR Congo Authorities Warn Ebola Outbreak Is Worst to Date and Yet to Peak
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