How Congo's Ebola outbreak became the second-most lethal on record
Health officials say the current outbreak is spreading five times faster than previous outbreaks did in Congo at this stage
The ongoing Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo has become the second-most lethal on record, with the deadliest being the 2014-16 epidemic in West Africa. The current outbreak surpassed the previous worst in Congo, which occurred between 2018 and 2020 and claimed 3,481 lives. As of Sunday, confirmed cases reached 4,945 with 2,325 deaths, indicating the current outbreak spreads five times faster than previous outbreaks in Congo.
The Bundibugyo species of the virus has spread undetected for months before being declared an outbreak in May, likely due to delayed detection, overwhelmed surveillance teams, armed conflict, and lack of vaccines and treatments. The case fatality rate has risen from around 20% to 47%, suggesting persistent shortcomings in the response.
The outbreak is concentrated in eastern Congo, a region affected by violence for decades, making it difficult to reach communities and disrupt the movement of personnel and supplies.
Written by urgent.news from The Hindu Health's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 5 other outlets
- Ebola outbreak in Congo becomes country’s worst as virus spreads at “exceptional pace” euronews.com
- Ebola cases in Congo exceed 5,000 freemalaysiatoday.com
- How Congo's Ebola outbreak became the second-most lethal on record thehindu.com
- DRC Ebola outbreak ‘far from being under control’ – WHO chief citizen.co.za
- Congo Ebola outbreak can still be under control in 3 months: WHO sabcnews.com
