Ebola Outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo Kills Over 1,700

An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has killed 1,707 people out of 3,802 recorded cases since it was declared on May 15. The epidemic is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments. While the outbreak is primarily concentrated in the remote Ituri province, which accounts for nearly 90 percent of cases, infections have also been confirmed in five other provinces, including the city of Kisangani. Neighboring Uganda recently declared itself Ebola free after its last patient was discharged in mid June.

Health officials face significant challenges in containing the spread. Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya stated that nearly 80 percent of new cases are resulting from community spread rather than contact tracing. The response has been hampered by violence from armed groups, attacks on health facilities, community mistrust, and difficulties accessing affected areas. Additionally, the World Health Organization reported that more than 100 healthcare workers have been infected. In the town of Mongbwalu, healthcare workers have threatened to escalate industrial action over salaries and allowances that are reportedly nearly three months overdue.

Medical researchers are working to address the crisis through accelerated trials. The WHO is testing experimental treatments and vaccines, with some studies already underway in Ituri province. WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus is scheduled to visit Kinshasa and Bunia this week. This outbreak is noted for its rapid growth; it reached 1,000 deaths significantly faster than the 2014 to 2016 West Africa outbreak, which saw over 11,000 deaths from approximately 28,000 cases.