Ebola outbreak surpasses 6,000 cases in DRC
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has surpassed 6,000 confirmed cases, with the death toll nearing 3,000 as the disease continues to spread across parts of the country.
Government figures show that 6,041 cases and 2,911 deaths had been recorded by 31 August, while 1,366 people had recovered. The outbreak, declared in May, has spread across six provinces, with Ituri accounting for the vast majority of infections.
The outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a rare form for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Health authorities are also facing major challenges, including armed conflict, population displacement, attacks on response teams, and shortages affecting healthcare workers.
The World Health Organisation has warned that the rapid spread is putting enormous pressure on response efforts, while teams continue working to isolate patients, trace contacts, and prevent further transmission.
