Ebola outbreak now DR Congo's deadliest ever

A rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the country's deadliest on record, with over 2,300 deaths in just three months, according to government figures. The United Nations reports the outbreak as the fastest-growing on record, claiming a life every 30 minutes. No specific vaccine or treatment exists for the Bundibugyo strain responsible for the surge of Ebola cases, which spreads through contact with bodily fluids and causes a severe hemorrhagic fever.

The 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC, declared on May 15, is believed to have been active for weeks prior to the official declaration. The current outbreak has primarily affected regions in the north and east, where state presence is weak, health infrastructure is lacking, and armed groups have been active for decades. Previous DRC Ebola outbreaks have also been devastating, with the 2018-2020 outbreak killing 2,299 out of 3,381 confirmed cases.

The deadliest Ebola outbreak ever occurred in West Africa from 2013-2016, claiming over 11,300 lives in Liberia, Sierra Leone, and Guinea. The WHO aims to curb the DRC outbreak within three months. The outbreak began in the conflict-ridden northeastern Ituri province and has since spread to five other provinces. In Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, Ebola prevention measures are scarce.

Community engagement in the response remains low, with many preferring to treat the disease at home, mistaking it for poisoning or another illness. Access to affected communities is further complicated by armed groups operating in some regions. Local healthcare workers have also protested for better compensation. Several vaccines are currently being tested against the current Ebola strain.