The latest data from the government of the Democratic Republic of Congo reveals that the Ebola outbreak has claimed the lives of 2,325 individuals, making it the deadliest in the nation’s history, surpassing the toll of the 2018-2020 outbreak. The country’s public health institute reported a total of 4,945 confirmed cases, with 101 new cases detected in the last 24 hours. This outbreak, the 17th in the country, has already set a record for the highest number of cases ever recorded, a milestone achieved in late July.
The most recent government figures show that the death toll has exceeded the 2,299 fatalities recorded during the 2018-2020 outbreak, previously the worst on record in the country. With 4,945 confirmed cases now reported, this outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments available.
The outbreak’s case fatality ratio has risen from approximately 20% in early June to 46%, indicating that nearly one in every two confirmed cases now results in death. Experts attribute this trend to persistent challenges in surveillance, case detection, and access to care, rather than an increase in the virus’s lethality.
While efforts are underway to develop vaccines and therapies, existing Ebola treatments are being evaluated for potential protection. The outbreak, declared on May 15, has been exacerbated by weak health infrastructure, community resistance, and instability, hampering the identification and response to cases.
The outbreak, which has spread to neighboring Uganda, was contained there with only two deaths and 20 confirmed cases before being declared over last month. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with infected individuals’ bodily fluids and can lead to symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and, in severe cases, internal and external bleeding.