The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has recorded over 3,500 cases of Ebola, surpassing the total from the deadliest outbreak between 2018 and 2020. Official figures released on Friday show 3,532 confirmed cases across five provinces, with 1,556 deaths. This outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, is the country's 17th and has no approved vaccine or treatment.
Situation Overview
The current Ebola outbreak in the DRC, centered in northeastern Ituri province, has spread to four other provinces including North Kivu and South Kivu. These regions are conflict-ridden, complicating response efforts. The outbreak was declared two months ago, and cases have more than doubled since mid-July.
Response and Challenges
Efforts to contain the outbreak are ongoing, with challenges posed by the conflict and lack of an approved vaccine. However, Singapore-based Hilleman Laboratories announced the development of a vaccine described by the World Health Organization as the'most promising' for the current outbreak. Additionally, Oxford University is conducting clinical trials for another Bundibugyo vaccine.
Regional Impact
Uganda, which shares a border with the affected regions, declared itself Ebola-free this week after the recovery of the last local transmission case. However, the WHO warns that the country remains at risk due to the spread in the DRC.
