Fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history leaves 2,300 dead in Congo
The World Health Organization has said the current Ebola outbreak is on track to surpass the deadliest on record.
In a devastating Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo, over 2,300 lives have been lost, making it the deadliest outbreak on record. The fast-moving epidemic has seen 4,945 cases and 2,325 deaths, according to official data. This is the 17th outbreak in the DRC, surpassing the 2018-2020 outbreak which resulted in 2,299 deaths.
The WHO warns the current outbreak is on track to surpass the 2014-16 West African Ebola epidemic, which claimed over 11,000 lives. The outbreak's speed and severity have left 1,000 people recovered, with 730 still in hospitals or isolation. Over 1,000 new cases and 33 deaths were reported in the last 24 hours. Community engagement and awareness remain a significant challenge, as people are not fully aware of symptoms and necessary actions.
The Bundibugyo virus, responsible for the outbreak, has no approved treatments or vaccines. The WHO is calling for a substantial increase in response activities to combat the rapidly spreading virus, which has already claimed more lives at an unprecedented pace compared to previous outbreaks.
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