WHO Warns DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Could Surpass West Africa’s Death Toll
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is accelerating at a rate that could make it the deadliest recorded outbreak of the disease, the World Health Organisation has warned. Health authorities are facing growing difficulties in containing the virus as infections continue to spread across parts of eastern DR Congo.
More than 4,300 cases have been recorded, with over 2,000 deaths reported so far. Although the outbreak was officially declared on May 15, genetic analysis later indicated that the virus had been circulating since February. The outbreak is being caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment is currently available.
Health officials say the response has been complicated by insecurity, difficult terrain and limited access to affected communities. Weak healthcare infrastructure, shortages of resources, misinformation and industrial action by health workers over unpaid wages have further hindered containment efforts, leaving some communities beyond the reach of response teams.
The WHO estimates that the outbreak could reach its peak within six months under a moderate scenario, while a more severe situation could see it persist for up to a year. The agency warned that without improved access to affected areas and stronger containment measures, the outbreak could exceed the more than 11,000 deaths recorded during the 2014–2016 Ebola crisis in West Africa.
