DRC Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in country's history

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now claimed 2,325 lives, surpassing the previous record of 2,299 deaths from an outbreak in 2018-2020, according to government figures released on Monday. The disease, which spreads through infected bodily fluids and can lead to fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and severe bleeding, has caused 4,945 confirmed cases.

The United Nations reports the outbreak as the fastest growing on record, with victims dying every half an hour in the DRC. This current outbreak, the 17th in the country, is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola and has now spread to five more provinces beyond its initial outbreak in northeastern Ituri province. The case fatality ratio, the percentage of deaths following a confirmed infection, has increased from 20% to 46% in recent weeks, indicating deficiencies in surveillance, detection, and access to care.

Despite no approved vaccines or treatments, experts emphasize that the rise in fatalities does not suggest the virus has become more lethal but rather highlights issues in managing the outbreak. Over the past 50 years, Ebola has killed more than 15,000 people in Africa.