DR Congo Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in history

The update

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed the death toll of the country’s 2018–2020 epidemic to become the deadliest in its history. The current epidemic, declared on May 15, has recorded 4,945 confirmed cases and 2,325 deaths. The virus, caused by the rare Bundibugyo species, has spread to six of the country’s 26 provinces and is the 17th Ebola outbreak in DRC since the virus was discovered 50 years ago.

Why it matters

The outbreak is the fastest-growing on record. UN humanitarian chief Tom Fletcher warned that the epidemic is killing someone every 30 minutes. The World Health Organization has described the pace of transmission as “exceptional.” The case fatality ratio has risen to 46 percent, meaning nearly one in every two confirmed infections has resulted in death. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment for the Bundibugyo species, though several are in development.

What to watch

The WHO hopes to reverse the spread within three months but warns this means bringing transmission under control, not ending the outbreak entirely. The outbreak has gained momentum due to weak health infrastructure, remoteness, and ongoing conflict near the country’s borders with South Sudan, Uganda, and Rwanda. The WHO Director-General has stated the outbreak is on track to eclipse the 2014–2016 West Africa epidemic in terms of scale.

Sources

• bbc.co.uk — Death toll, case count, spread to provinces, WHO hope for 3-month reversal, conflict hindering response.
• aljazeera.com — UN humanitarian chief quote, case fatality ratio increase, lack of approved vaccine/treatment for Bundibugyo.