Ebola surge reaches two new zones in eastern Congo, total now 60 affected areas

According to the latest figures from Congo's Ministry of Health, the Ebola outbreak in the country's eastern region has spread to the Biena and Manguredjipa health zones in North Kivu, raising the total number of zones under threat to 60. Confirmed infections now stand at 5,794, with 2,786 fatalities, and the fatality rate in the newly affected zones is higher than the overall 48% rate. The acceleration of the epidemic is linked to ongoing insecurity, mass displacement, a strike by health workers and extensive population flows.

The World Health Organization has warned that the situation remains uncontrolled and could surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak. In response, Congo began vaccinating health personnel with the Ervebo vaccine, while clinical trials continue to seek a licensed vaccine for the current strain.