The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 5,000, according to government data released late on Tuesday, as health officials warn that response efforts are struggling to contain the disease.
The country’s 17th Ebola epidemic became the largest in its history by number of cases in late July. The death toll reached 2,378 over the weekend, according to the public health institute, surpassing the previous worst outbreak recorded between 2018 and 2020.
The institute has recorded 5,021 cases in its latest situation report. This makes it the second-largest Ebola outbreak globally in terms of infections and deaths, behind the 2014-2016 epidemic in West Africa.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments.
The outbreak has gained momentum since it was declared on May 15.
Health officials are facing major challenges in identifying and responding to cases. Weak health infrastructure, community resistance, instability and protests by response workers have all hindered containment efforts.
Faridah Abdulkadiri
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