Congo records deadliest Ebola outbreak with over 2,300 deaths
Health authorities say the latest Ebola surge in eastern Congo has killed more than 2,300 people, making it the deadliest outbreak in the country’s history.
The Congo Ministry of Health reported that the current Ebola outbreak has reached 4,945 cases and 2,325 deaths, surpassing the 2018-2020 epidemic that claimed 2,299 lives. The outbreak, centered in the eastern provinces, is the fastest-growing on record in the country, with 101 new infections and 33 deaths reported in the last 24 hours. Over 1,000 patients have recovered, while 730 remain in treatment or isolation facilities.
The disease is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which no approved vaccine or therapy exists, though clinical trials are under way in Ituri province, the epicenter of the spread. Health officials cite several obstacles, including unpaid health-worker strikes, threats from armed groups, difficult terrain, and misinformation denying the virus’s existence.
The World Health Organization warned that the outbreak is progressing at an “exceptional pace,” noting a weekly high of 579 cases and 304 deaths. > "A substantial scaling up of response activities is underway to get ahead of the outbreak," the agency said.
United Nations humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher announced an additional $30.5 million in funding and the deployment of 20 more staff to support frontline efforts. > "This is a wake-up call. We need speed, scale and solidarity before this virus gets even further ahead of us," Fletcher said.