Congolese authorities reported Monday that the nation's Ebola outbreak has surpassed 6,000 cases and claimed 2,911 lives. This ongoing epidemic, described as the fastest-growing in history, has also seen over 1,360 individuals recover from the virus, a development authorities called "encouraging."
The outbreak in eastern Congo is unfolding amidst significant challenges, including ongoing insecurity, widespread displacement, a strike among health workers, and extensive population movements. The situation is particularly dire in displacement sites, where residents live in precarious conditions.
Last week, the virus expanded into two new health zones within the region. The World Health Organization has characterized the outbreak as remaining out of control and on a trajectory to exceed the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, which resulted in over 11,000 deaths.
Adding to the difficulties, an Ebola response team was attacked on Saturday on the outskirts of Mambasa in Ituri province while responding to a call to secure a body for burial. Young people armed with machetes reportedly stormed the funeral site, forcing the team to retreat and injuring one member. "We demand greater security so we can operate in the field and do our work without endangering our lives," stated Floribert Magene, a member of the response team.
Bodies of Ebola victims are highly contagious, posing a risk during traditional burial practices. Congolese authorities have mandated that the handling of suspected victims' remains be managed by authorities whenever possible, a measure that has sometimes met with protests from families.
The outbreak is attributed to the Bundibugyo virus, a rare strain for which no approved vaccine or treatment currently exists. Last week, Congo initiated vaccinations for health and frontline workers using the Ervebo vaccine, which has proven effective against a different, more common type of Ebola. Clinical trials are underway to develop a licensed vaccine specifically for the Bundibugyo virus.
Although the current outbreak was officially declared in mid-May, officials believe the virus may have been spreading since February. It has spread from an initial three health zones to nearly 60, with a significant number of cases and deaths occurring outside of monitored contact tracing networks and within communities.
Measures implemented to control the outbreak, such as limiting public gatherings, promoting social distancing, and closing airports, have disrupted daily life in the affected provinces, particularly Ituri, which has also been impacted by rebel violence. While neighboring Uganda declared itself free of Ebola last month, the WHO has warned that the risk of further cross-border spread persists.