The Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded 11,042 confirmed Ebola infections and at least 5,387 deaths in its worst outbreak on record, according to government figures released on Tuesday.
The death toll is nearly half the number of confirmed cases. The outbreak was declared in mid-May, and a British health worker was reported to have contracted the virus last week.
It is now the second-biggest and second-deadliest Ebola outbreak ever recorded. The 2014–2016 epidemic in West Africa remains the largest, infecting more than 28,600 people and killing over 11,000.
The outbreak in DR Congo is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no dedicated vaccine or treatment. The strain kills roughly half of those infected, making efforts to control its spread more difficult.
Eight of DR Congo’s 26 provinces have reported cases. Many of those who died did so outside treatment centres, according to the information released by the authorities.
Health officials have attributed the rapid spread to delayed detection, conflict and overstretched medical services. Cases have now been recorded across East, Central and West Africa, giving the outbreak the widest geographical reach of any Ebola epidemic on the continent.
The World Health Organization approved clinical trials for two new Ebola vaccines earlier this month. Results from those trials are expected in early 2027.
DR Congo has previously brought major Ebola outbreaks under control. The authorities declared the country’s previous deadliest outbreak over in June 2020.
Ghana increases monitoring
Ghana’s Health Ministry has said the Ghana Health Service will monitor travellers arriving from countries affected by Ebola for up to 21 days.
The Ghana Medical Association has called for stronger preparations and dedicated funding after a case of the Bundibugyo strain was recorded in Nigeria.
It is urging the authorities to establish designated isolation centres, strengthen surveillance within communities and provide contingency funds.
