The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record has claimed more than 1,500 lives in eastern Congo, with official data released Thursday indicating a 50% increase in fatalities in approximately one week. As of Tuesday, 3,442 cases had been recorded, resulting in 1,521 deaths. This marks a significant acceleration compared to previous outbreaks, including the 2014-2016 epidemic which saw over 11,000 deaths from 28,000 cases over eight months.
The current outbreak, declared on May 15, is linked to the Bundibugyo virus, for which no vaccines or treatments are approved. Currently, 797 patients are hospitalized or in isolation, while 615 individuals have recovered.
Efforts to contain the virus are being hampered by challenges in contact tracing, with only about 78% of known contacts being monitored nationwide—falling short of the 95% target needed to interrupt transmission. Displacement caused by armed conflict and illegal mining in the region has made it difficult to track thousands of individuals who have come into contact with infected persons.
The outbreak is predominantly concentrated in the remote Ituri province, accounting for nearly 90% of cases. However, cases have also been confirmed in five other provinces, including the major city of Kisangani. Neighboring Uganda declared itself free of Ebola on Tuesday, following the discharge of its last patient in mid-June.
While the World Health Organization assesses the global risk of spread as low due to Ebola's transmission via direct contact with bodily fluids, the risk within Congo remains "very high." This is exacerbated by community concerns over inaccessible areas and the temporary relocation of response teams due to safety fears stemming from attacks by angry residents and rebels. Misinformation about the virus's reality and restrictions on traditional funerals have fueled anger and attacks on health facilities.
International partners supporting the response in Ituri's Nyakunde health zone temporarily withdrew after an attack on a hospital and treatment center on July 15. This relocation has disrupted surveillance, contact tracing, and supply chains. Officials report that remaining stocks are dwindling, and health workers are operating under anxiety due to infection risks and threats to personal safety. Local health officials have since reported stabilization and are urging partners to return, with some agencies indicating potential redeployment as early as next week.
Ebola is a rare but highly contagious and severe disease that can be fatal. It is transmitted through bodily fluids such as vomit, blood, or semen. The current outbreak is the fastest-growing and most lethal recorded to date. 
