Ebola spreading exponentially in Congo as death toll tops 2,500: UN

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed over 2,500 lives, according to Julien Harneis, the senior United Nations Ebola coordinator. The epidemic, which has spread to an area larger than France, is growing exponentially, he stated in a video call from the northeastern Congolese city of Bunia. Harneis urged for increased aid, warning that the current pool of funds will be exhausted within weeks.

Health workers in the region are facing threats from locals, who are frightened and terrified by the outbreak, and are also falling ill and succumbing to the disease. This is Congo's 17th Ebola epidemic, becoming the largest in the country's history in terms of cases in late July, surpassing the previous worst outbreak in 2018 to 2020.

The Bundibugyo species of Ebola, responsible for the outbreak, has no approved vaccines or treatments. Harneis emphasized the alarming nature of the situation, stating that the epidemic is spreading to a region larger than France, and its growth is faster and broader than the Ebola response efforts. This crisis is unfolding in an area already grappling with significant challenges.