The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is battling the worst Ebola epidemic in its history, with confirmed infections surpassing 6,000 and the death toll approaching 3,000, according to the latest figures released by Congolese health authorities on Monday.
The outbreak, which was declared in mid-May, has now recorded 6,041 confirmed cases and 2,911 deaths, while 1,366 people have recovered from the disease. The latest figures make the current outbreak deadlier than the previous record-setting 2018–2020 Ebola epidemic in the country.
The outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus and has spread rapidly across several provinces in the country’s north and east. Health authorities and international partners are facing significant challenges in containing the virus amid insecurity, population displacement and difficulties monitoring new infections.
The World Health Organisation has described the outbreak as a major public health emergency, while response teams continue efforts to expand treatment, vaccination and disease surveillance. The current outbreak has also prompted clinical trials for vaccines and treatments specifically targeting the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment.
