WHO says Congo Ebola outbreak records highest first-month case count

The World Health Organization reported that the Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed previous first-month case totals, with more than 1,000 confirmed infections and 267 deaths since it was declared on May 15. WHO official Abdirahman Mahamud said the rapid spread to urban centers such as Bunia and the mining town of Mongbwalu contributed to the scale, noting that earlier outbreaks typically began in rural areas and were contained more quickly.

Mahamud emphasized the need to accelerate response efforts, stating, "What is important is we need to scale up and this outbreak is moving faster than us," after a recent visit to Bunia. He highlighted progress, including an increase in Ebola treatment beds to over 500 in the past two weeks and a decline in community and violent resistance to health workers.

The outbreak has also reached at least three crowded displacement camps in eastern Congo. International Organization for Migration representative Abdoulaye Wone confirmed at least 25 cases and 14 deaths within the camps, adding that overcrowding and daily movement of residents for work or food exacerbate transmission risks. Caritas director Justin Zanamuzi reported four child deaths at the Kigonze camp, though test results were pending.

The current episode follows the 2014-2016 West African outbreak that claimed about 11,000 lives and a 2018 outbreak in Congo with fewer fatalities. Health authorities note that sub-Saharan Africa has experienced more than 20 Ebola outbreaks to date.