The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history has now affected a total of 60 health zones in eastern Congo, with two new areas, Biena and Manguredjipa in North Kivu province, recently reporting cases, according to the latest government figures. This expansion is occurring under extremely difficult conditions, exacerbated by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike, and significant population movements.
The outbreak has recorded 5,794 confirmed cases, resulting in 2,786 deaths. The case fatality rate in the newly affected zones of Biena and Manguredjipa is higher than the overall rate of 48%, attributed to delays in response efforts. The World Health Organization has stated that the outbreak remains out of control and is spreading at an unprecedented speed, outpacing efforts to track and slow its progress.
Officials believe the outbreak, officially declared in mid-May, may have been circulating since February. It has expanded significantly from its initial three health zones, with the majority of cases and deaths occurring outside monitored contact networks and within communities. The northeastern Ituri province is the most affected region, accounting for over 83% of all cases.
Efforts to control the outbreak, including restrictions on public gatherings, social distancing measures, and airport closures, have disrupted daily life in the six affected provinces. While the government has implemented measures such as installing health and sanitary equipment, advocacy groups urge for increased community trust-building efforts.
On Thursday, Congo commenced the vaccination of health workers and other frontline personnel using the Ervebo vaccine, which has proven effective against previous Ebola outbreaks caused by a different strain. However, clinical trials are ongoing to develop a licensed vaccine for the rare Bundibugyo virus responsible for the current outbreak, as there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments for it.
Despite neighboring Uganda declaring itself Ebola-free last month, the World Health Organization noted on Wednesday that the risk of further cross-border spread persists. The Central African Republic is considered the country at highest risk of spillover, followed closely by South Sudan, as the outbreak in eastern Congo expands toward border regions. The WHO has stated that the current outbreak is on track to surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, which resulted in over 11,000 deaths.