Congo says the death toll in fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has passed 1,500

Eastern Congo's fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has claimed over 1,500 lives, officials announced on Thursday, representing a 50% surge in just a week. As of Tuesday, the total case count reached 3,442 with 1,521 fatalities, according to the most recent government update. The outbreak, traced back to the Bundibugyo virus with no approved vaccines or treatments, saw 797 patients in isolation or hospitals, while 615 individuals have recovered.

Contact tracing remains insufficient, with only about 78% of contacts monitored nationwide, falling short of the 95% mark needed to curb transmission. Displacement due to conflict and illegal mining complicates tracing efforts, affecting thousands who may have been exposed to the infected. The outbreak primarily affects remote Ituri province, accounting for nearly 90% of cases, but has also been confirmed in five other provinces, including Kisangani.

Uganda declared itself Ebola-free on Tuesday after discharging its last patient in mid-June. Ebola is highly contagious, transmitted through bodily fluids, and often severe and fatal. The current outbreak has proven deadlier than any previous one, surpassing the 2014-2016 outbreak that reported 28,000 cases and over 11,000 deaths within eight months.

While the global risk of spread remains low due to the virus's mode of transmission, the risk remains very high in Congo, according to the WHO. The speed of transmission adds to public concern, with some communities deemed unreachable or abandoned by responders due to safety concerns. Misinformation and protests against traditional funeral restrictions have led to attacks on health facilities, angering residents.

International partners supporting the Ebola response in Ituri's Nyakunde health zone have temporarily relocated following an attack on a hospital and treatment center on July 15, which disrupted surveillance, contact tracing, and supplies. Dr. Desire Duabo, chief medical officer for the health zone, warned that the remaining supplies are nearly depleted.

Despite these challenges, local health officials report a stabilization of security, urging partners to return, with Africa CDC stating teams could redeploy as soon as next week.