WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to eclipse the deadliest one in history

The World Health Organization (WHO) predicts Congo's ongoing Ebola outbreak could surpass the deadliest one in history, which claimed over 11,000 lives from more than 28,000 cases in 2014 to 2016. Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO director, stated that the current outbreak in eastern Congo, now in its third month, is moving faster than previous outbreaks and is considered the fastest-growing in history.

With over 2,000 deaths and more than 4,300 cases, the current outbreak is unlike most previous ones due to the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccines or treatments. The aggressive progression is attributed to the conflict-ridden region, with most new cases and fatalities occurring in hard-to-reach communities.