DR Congo’s Ebola Death Toll Passes 4,000 as Transit Center Burns

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed 4,018 lives, with 8,300 confirmed cases reported as of October 1, according to government figures. The most recent incident occurred in Bunia, where an eight-bed Ebola transit center burned down while thousands of displaced residents fled a security operation. This marks the deadliest Ebola outbreak in Congo's history, surpassing the 2,299 deaths from the 2018-20 epidemic.

The outbreak is now the fastest-growing ever recorded, with the World Health Organization describing it as such. The latest detailed bulletin, published on September 25 using data through September 23, recorded 7,890 confirmed cases and 3,799 deaths across seven provinces. However, the new national figures reflect a later reporting period.

WHO data revealed that transmission remained uneven, with incidence declining in Ituri but remaining elevated in North Kivu. As of September 23, Ituri accounted for 6,032 confirmed cases, while North Kivu reported 1,480. On September 29, an Ebola transit center burned at the Kigonze displacement site on the outskirts of Bunia, operated by International Medical Corps.

The fire was preceded by another blaze at the camp on September 23, which destroyed several shelters and residents' belongings. Insecurity, displacement, and difficulties maintaining surveillance are putting pressure on the response. WHO reported monitoring 26,980 contacts in the 24 hours before September 23, while 32,342 people required follow-up.

At least 50 healthcare workers have died after contracting Ebola, and medical personnel in Bunia have protested over delayed payments, further complicating efforts to contain the outbreak.