Ebola outbreak in DR Congo becomes deadliest in country’s history

A deadly Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed 2,325 lives, surpassing the death toll from the country's previous worst outbreak in 2018-2020. The current epidemic, the 17th Ebola outbreak in Congo, has recorded 4,945 confirmed cases as of late July. This marks the largest number of cases to date, with the previous record held by the 2014-2016 Ebola outbreak in West Africa, which affected Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.

The Bundibugyo species of Ebola, responsible for the current outbreak, lacks approved vaccines or treatments. The World Health Organization reports that the case fatality ratio has increased from around 20% in early June to 46%, meaning nearly half of confirmed cases are now fatal.

Weak health infrastructure, community resistance, and instability have hampered efforts to identify and respond to cases. Experts attribute the rising fatality rate to persistent shortcomings in surveillance, case detection, and access to care. Many Ebola cases are detected too late for effective treatment, as patients are often identified only after they die in the community.

While experimental vaccines and therapies are being evaluated, the global health community assesses whether existing Ebola treatments could offer protection. Evidence so far is limited to animal studies. Ebola spreads through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected individuals, causing symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe bleeding.