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WHO Warns: Congo Ebola May Surpass Deadliest Outbreak Ever
12 Aug
Summary
- Congo's Ebola outbreak could become the deadliest on record.
- The rare Bundibugyo virus lacks approved vaccines or treatments.
- Most deaths occur in communities, hindering response efforts.
The active Ebola outbreak in Congo is on track to surpass the deadliest recorded outbreak in history, which saw over 11,000 fatalities, according to the head of the World Health Organization. This rapidly expanding crisis in eastern Congo has already resulted in over 2,000 deaths and more than 4,300 documented cases.
The current outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments. This distinguishes it from the 2014-2016 West African outbreak, which was caused by the Zaire strain and had vaccines available.
Aid agencies report that over two-thirds of Ebola deaths are happening within communities rather than at treatment centers. This is exacerbated by fear, misinformation, and disrupted healthcare services, leading to a drastic drop in patients seeking care. The situation is compounded by ongoing conflict in the region, hindering response efforts.
Specialists note that the disease is outstripping response capabilities in eastern Congo, with a majority of new cases and fatalities emerging from remote communities beyond the reach of health workers. International aid cuts have also significantly impacted health programs and disease monitoring in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
