Ebola outbreak becomes Congo’s deadliest, death toll surpasses 2,300

The outbreak, declared on May 15, has now surpassed the 2,299 deaths recorded during Congo’s previous worst Ebola epidemic from 2018 to 2020

KINSHASA: The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing its deadliest Ebola outbreak on record, with the death toll reaching 2,325 and confirmed infections climbing to 4,945, according to the latest government figures.

The outbreak, declared on May 15, has now surpassed the 2,299 deaths recorded during Congo’s previous worst Ebola epidemic from 2018 to 2020. Health authorities also reported 101 new confirmed cases in a single day, highlighting the rapid spread of the disease.

The current outbreak is the country’s 17th and has already become its largest in terms of confirmed cases. Only the devastating West African Ebola epidemic of 2014–2016, which killed more than 11,000 people across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone, has recorded a higher overall toll.

Health officials say the outbreak is being driven by major challenges, including weak healthcare infrastructure, insecurity and resistance within some communities. Delays in detecting infections and getting patients into medical care are also contributing to the high death rate.

The case fatality ratio has climbed sharply to 46%, compared with around 20% in early June. Public health experts caution that the increase does not necessarily mean the virus has become more deadly. Instead, they say many patients are being identified only after their condition has severely deteriorated or after death.

The outbreak is being caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments. Researchers are assessing experimental vaccines and therapies, but available evidence remains limited.

Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with the bodily fluids of infected people, including those who have died from the disease. Symptoms can include fever, vomiting and diarrhoea, while severe infections may lead to internal or external bleeding.

The outbreak also crossed into neighbouring Uganda, where authorities confirmed 20 cases and two deaths before declaring the outbreak over last month.