The Ebola outbreak sweeping the Democratic Republic of Congo has crossed a new threshold, with more than 5,000 confirmed infections and a death toll that has surpassed the country’s previous record.
Government data showed Tuesday that 5,021 cases had been recorded since the epidemic was declared on May 15. With 2,378 people reported dead over the weekend, the outbreak has also overtaken the 2018-2020 epidemic as the deadliest in Congo’s history.
Passengers who disembarked from a boat intercepted by health authorities wait to be tested following the death of a passenger suspected of having Ebola, in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of the Congo, August 6, 2026. Authorities said the passenger had disembarked earlier in the city. REUTERS/Benoit Nyemba TPX IMAGES OF THE DAY
By the number of confirmed infections, the outbreak became the country’s largest in late July. It now ranks as the second-largest Ebola outbreak ever recorded worldwide, behind the 2014-2016 epidemic that swept through Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Containment efforts under pressure
Health officials are increasingly concerned that the response is struggling to keep pace with the spread of the virus.
The outbreak has been complicated by inadequate health infrastructure, instability and resistance from communities in affected areas. Protests by workers involved in the response have also disrupted efforts to detect cases and respond to them.
The epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which no approved vaccines or treatments are available.
The combination of the rapidly rising case count and difficulties facing health workers has allowed the outbreak to gain momentum since it was first declared in May.
Congo has experienced 17 Ebola epidemics, but the current outbreak has now surpassed the country’s previous worst outbreak in both infections and deaths.
