WHO warns Congo Ebola surge could surpass historic West African epidemic
The World Health Organization says the current Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo is on track to exceed the deadliest West African outbreak of 2014-2016.
The head of the World Health Organization announced that the Ebola outbreak raging in eastern Congo is likely to eclipse the 2014-2016 West African epidemic, which claimed over 11,000 lives. Since its declaration on May 15, the crisis has produced more than 2,000 deaths out of over 4,300 reported cases, making it the fastest-expanding outbreak ever recorded. Genetic sequencing now indicates the virus began circulating in February, earlier than initially thought.
This flare-up is driven by the Bundibugyo strain, a rare form of Ebola that lacks any licensed vaccine or therapeutic option. Ongoing armed conflict and rugged terrain hinder health workers, leaving many new infections and deaths occurring in villages beyond their reach. The affected zone borders South Sudan, Uganda and Rwanda, further complicating containment efforts.
Why it matters
A rapidly spreading Ebola outbreak without vaccines threatens thousands of lives in a fragile region.
How this story developed
- Jul 25 DRC Ebola outbreak kills over 1,300, cases surge as virus spreads unchecked
- Aug 6 Health workers at the Bunia Ebola treatment centre walked out over unpaid performance bonuses.
- Aug 10 The World Health Organization says the rapid Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo actually started in February, well before it was declared in mid-May.
- Aug 11 WHO genetic analysis showed the virus was present in February, months before the May 15 declaration.
In this story
Related stories
12 in this thread