More than 5,000 die from Ebola in DR Congo's deadliest outbreak

More than 5,000 people have died in the Ebola outbreak currently ravaging the Democratic Republic of Congo, according to government figures. Eight out of the 26 provinces have been affected by the epidemic, which began in May and surpassed the country's previous deadliest outbreak in August, with a case fatality rate of 48.6%. The epidemic's epicenter remains in the conflict-ridden Ituri province in the northeast, complicating efforts to contain the virus.

This outbreak marks the 17th in the country's history and is the second largest. The World Health Organization (WHO) requires a scale-up of control measures, better access to affected areas, and community outreach to end the outbreak. Current treatment and testing, along with ongoing clinical trials for vaccines, are underway for the Bundibugyo species behind this outbreak, but there is no treatment or vaccine for this strain yet.

The previous deadliest outbreak in Congo, between 2018 and 2020, resulted in 2,299 deaths. The most lethal Ebola outbreak on record occurred in West Africa from 2014 to 2016, claiming over 11,325 lives across several countries, including Italy, the UK, and the United States. The UN warns that the current outbreak is claiming lives at a much faster rate than its predecessors.

Ebola is a rare and deadly disease caused by a virus. Symptoms emerge suddenly, progressing to vomiting, diarrhea, and potentially organ failure. Some patients may experience internal and external bleeding. The virus spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids like blood or vomit. Health workers and a politician have faced attacks while responding to the outbreak, with a nurse killed and another health worker injured recently. Local youths accused the responders of contaminating water sources.

The epidemic's outbreak in Uganda saw two deaths and 20 cases shortly after it began, but no cases have been reported since August. Travel restrictions remain in place for those crossing into Uganda from neighboring DR Congo. Kenya has recorded nine confirmed cases and two deaths, while Nigeria reported two suspected cases on Saturday, which have been isolated and are undergoing testing. The likelihood of infection in Europe is very low, according to the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control.