The Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo has spread to two new health zones, bringing the total affected to 60, according to the latest government figures released Friday. The two newly affected zones are Biena and Manguredjipa in North Kivu province.
These areas have a higher case fatality rate than the overall rate of 48%, attributed in part to delayed response efforts, data from Congo’s Ministry of Health indicates. The outbreak has recorded 5,794 confirmed cases, including 2,786 deaths, and is spreading faster than efforts to track and contain it.
The World Health Organization has described the outbreak as remaining out of control and on track to surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, which was the deadliest on record, resulting in over 11,000 deaths. The current outbreak is spreading under challenging conditions, exacerbated by insecurity, population displacement, a strike by health workers, and significant population movements.
On Thursday, Congo initiated vaccination efforts for health workers and other front-line personnel using the Ervebo vaccine, which proved effective in past outbreaks of a different, more common type of Ebola. However, clinical trials are underway to find a licensed vaccine for the rare Bundibugyo virus causing the current outbreak, as no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist for it.
Although the outbreak was officially declared in mid-May, officials believe it may have been circulating since February. It has expanded from an initial three health zones to nearly 60, with a majority of cases and deaths occurring outside the network of monitored contacts and within communities.
Measures implemented to control the outbreak, including restrictions on public gatherings, social distancing, and airport closures, have disrupted daily life in the six affected provinces, particularly Ituri, which has been significantly impacted by rebel violence. While the government has introduced measures such as installing health and sanitary equipment in certain locations, advocacy groups contend that further efforts are needed to build community trust.