More than 2,300 people have died as health authorities struggle to slow the spread of the virus
KINSHASA, DR CONGO — The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing its most serious Ebola outbreak on record, with more than 2,300 people now reported dead.
The outbreak has spread rapidly across the country, with 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths recorded in the latest figures. The number of deaths has now passed the previous record set during the 2018–2020 Ebola outbreak.
The outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a relatively rare strain for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment specifically licensed for it.
Health authorities say the speed of transmission is one of the biggest concerns.
The outbreak began in Ituri Province, but cases have now been detected across six provinces. The situation is particularly difficult in communities where healthcare facilities are limited and access to medical care is poor.
Health workers are also dealing with misinformation and fear within some communities. Insecurity and attacks affecting healthcare facilities have made the response even more difficult.
The World Health Organization and other international health agencies are supporting the Congolese government, while work is also underway to test vaccines that could help protect people against the Bundibugyo strain.
The latest outbreak has already become a major public health concern beyond Congo’s borders.
Uganda, which shares a border with the DRC, also recorded cases earlier this year, although the country was declared Ebola-free in July.
For Congo, the immediate challenge is clear: find and treat infected people quickly, protect healthcare workers and stop the virus from reaching more communities.
The scale of the outbreak has made the response one of the biggest health challenges currently facing
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