What changed
More than 5,000 people have died in an Ebola outbreak that began in May in the Democratic Republic of Congo, with more than 10,300 confirmed cases across eight provinces. Ituri remains the epicentre, and the 48.6% case-fatality rate has made this the deadliest outbreak in the country’s history.
Why it matters
This outbreak is spreading through the hardest possible terrain: Ituri is a conflict zone, and responders have faced deadly attacks. A nurse was killed this week, another health worker was seriously injured, and Red Cross volunteers were hurt in 11 violent incidents during the outbreak’s first 100 days.
The virus is the Bundibugyo species, for which there is currently no vaccine or treatment. Clinical trials, testing and treatment are under way, but control depends heavily on reaching affected communities safely and persuading people to cooperate.
The outbreak has also crossed borders. Kenya has recorded nine cases and two deaths. Uganda reported two deaths and 20 cases but has had no new reported cases since August, while Nigeria is testing two suspected cases after confirming one case earlier in October. The eventual geographic spread and duration remain uncertain, but the current toll shows how quickly this outbreak is moving.
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