The Democratic Republic of Congo faces its largest Ebola epidemic in history as confirmed infections surpassed 6,041 cases, with 2,911 deaths recorded by August 31, according to government data shared by the communication ministry on X. Driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain, which has no approved vaccines or treatments, the outbreak has spread to nearly 60 health zones.
An Unprecedented Spread Across Eastern Provinces
The current Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has officially surpassed the previous worst outbreak that lasted from 2018 to 2020. Response teams are operating across six affected provinces, with a particular focus on Ituri, North Kivu, and Haut-Uele, as reported by Reuters journalist Anait Miridzhanian with editing by Alison Williams and Andrew Heavens.
According to the latest government figures published on Friday by Congo’s Ministry of Health, the outbreak has recorded 5,794 confirmed cases, including 2,786 deaths, spreading faster than efforts to track and slow it. Government figures published on Friday further show that the outbreak has expanded to 60 health zones, adding Biena and Manguredjipa in North Kivu province. While the vast majority of cases remain concentrated in northeastern Ituri province, North Kivu carries an Ebola fatality rate of close to 69%, one of the highest in the country, due in part to delayed response efforts.
The World Health Organization noted that although authorities formally declared the outbreak in mid-May, officials believe it had been spreading since February in one of Congo’s most remote and vulnerable areas. Most recorded cases and deaths continue to occur outside the network of monitored contacts and within communities.
Treatment Gaps and the Bundibugyo Strain Challenge
This epidemic is caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus, which has no approved vaccines or treatments. Clinical trials are underway to find a licensed vaccine for the rare Bundibugyo virus.
Aid group Doctors Without Borders announced on Friday that it had opened a new treatment center in Beni in North Kivu to enable a faster response in one of the hardest-hit areas.
The new center “enables the rapid treatment of patients, strengthens contact tracing and supports the health authorities in their efforts to contain the spread of the virus,” Doctors Without Borders said in a statement.
On Thursday, Congo began vaccinating health workers and other front-line workers with the Ervebo vaccine that was effective in past Ebola outbreaks caused by a different, more common type called Zaire.
Regional Spillover Risks and Logistics Disruptions
The unfolding health crisis continues to be fueled by extremely difficult conditions, including insecurity, displacement, a health workers’ strike, and intense population movements. These efforts to bring the outbreak under control—from limited public gatherings to social distancing and airport closures—have disrupted life in the six affected provinces, particularly Ituri, which has been ravaged by rebel violence. The government has introduced measures, including installing health and sanitary equipment at some locations, but advocacy groups say more needs to be done to build trust within the community.
While neighboring Uganda declared itself free of Ebola last month, the risk of further cross-border spread remains, the World Health Organization said Wednesday.
WHO expert Marie Roseline Belizaire said that the Central African Republic is now considered the country at highest risk of spillover, followed closely by South Sudan, as the outbreak in eastern Congo has expanded toward border areas.
