KINSHASA — An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 5,000 people, with over 10,300 cases confirmed across eight of the country's 26 provinces, according to government data.
The outbreak began in May and became the deadliest in DR Congo's history by August. It carries a case fatality rate of 48.6 percent. Ituri province, in the northeast, remains the epicenter. The region is a conflict zone, complicating containment efforts.
This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in DR Congo and the second largest globally, according to the United Nations. The virus spreading is the Bundibugyo species, for which no proven treatment or vaccine exists.
The current outbreak is killing at a faster rate than previous outbreaks in the country. DR Congo's prior deadliest outbreak, from 2018 to 2020, resulted in 2,299 deaths.
Testing and vaccine trials are underway. The World Health Organization called for expanded control measures, improved access to affected areas and increased community engagement.
Violent attacks against health workers have complicated the response. Earlier this week, a nurse was killed and another health worker seriously injured during an attack while responding to an Ebola alert. Local youths accused healthcare providers of contaminating water sources and spreading the virus, according to UN-backed Radio Okapi. Last month, a politician was beaten to death after advocating for measures to prevent the virus's spread.
In the outbreak's initial 100 days, the Red Cross reported 11 violent incidents, including injuries to volunteers and an ambulance set on fire.
The virus has spread beyond DR Congo's borders. Uganda confirmed two deaths and 20 cases shortly after the outbreak began, though no new cases have been reported there since August. Kenya has confirmed nine cases and two deaths. Nigeria's disease control center identified two suspected cases, with both individuals placed in isolation.
