The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the country's deadliest in history, with government data showing that more than 5,000 people have died from the virus. The outbreak, which started in May, has spread to eight of the country's 26 provinces, with over 10,300 confirmed cases reported. Public health officials confirmed that the outbreak became the deadliest in August.
The current case fatality rate stands at 48.6%, with the epicentre of the epidemic remaining in the Ituri province, located in the north-east of the country. The Ituri province is a conflict zone, making it harder to contain the virus. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) office in Africa, a continued scale-up of key control measures, greater access to affected areas, and community outreach are needed to end the outbreak.
This marks the 17th outbreak in DR Congo's history, and the second largest in history. The Bundibugyo species is behind the current outbreak, but there is not yet any treatment or vaccine for this strain. Testing and treatment are underway, along with clinical trials of vaccines. DR Congo's previous deadliest outbreak saw 2,299 deaths recorded between 2018-2020.
The outbreak has also spread to neighbouring countries, with cases confirmed in Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda. In Kenya, there have been nine confirmed cases and two recorded deaths. Two suspected cases were identified in Nigeria, and the individuals have been isolated and are undergoing testing. In Uganda, two people died and 20 cases were recorded shortly after the outbreak started, but no cases have been reported since August.
Travel restrictions remain in place for those crossing into Uganda from neighbouring DR Congo. The UN warns that the current outbreak is "taking lives at a much faster rate" compared to previous outbreaks. Ebola is a rare, deadly disease caused by a virus, and symptoms come on suddenly. As the disease progresses, vomiting and diarrhoea develop and it can lead to organ failure.
The response to the outbreak has been hindered by violence against health workers and politicians. A nurse was killed and another health worker seriously injured in an attack when responding to an Ebola alert. Local youths had accused them of contaminating water sources and spreading the virus. Last month, a politician was beaten to death after promoting measures to stop the spread of Ebola.
The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control has stated that the likelihood of infection for people in the Europe area is "very low". The WHO reports that the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history occurred in West Africa between 2014 and 2016, killing more than 11,325 people and spreading across several countries.
Key points
- Over 5,000 deaths reported in DR Congo's Ebola outbreak.
- The outbreak has spread to eight provinces in DR Congo and neighbouring countries.
- The response to the outbreak has been hindered by violence against health workers and politicians.
