Ebola outbreak in DRC the fastest growing in the history of the virus

Live updates

1. 2d ago

   DRC Ebola Outbreak Stalls as UN Warns of Growth

   The Democratic Republic of Congo faces conflicting assessments over its current Ebola epidemic. While national authorities report the outbreak has peaked, United Nations warnings indicate the virus continues to grow. Case counts remain high in this second-largest epidemic on record, which marks the country's seventeenth outbreak since 1976. The World Health Organization previously warned that the virus was spreading to new areas faster than treatment capacity could expand, hindered by critical shortages in funding and personnel.

   Why it matters

   This marks the seventeenth Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo since 1976. The current epidemic stands as the second-deadliest on record, following the 2014 to 2016 outbreak in West Africa. Discrepancies between local authorities and international monitors complicate containment strategies.

   What is confirmed

   • The current epidemic is the DRC's seventeenth Ebola outbreak since 1976 and the second-deadliest on record.
   • Overall case counts remain high in the Democratic Republic of the Congo outbreak.

   Still unconfirmed

   • DRC officials stated the Ebola outbreak has peaked.
   • The United Nations warned that the Ebola outbreak is still growing.

   What to watch next

   • Reconciliation of conflicting data between DRC authorities and United Nations monitors regarding whether the outbreak has peaked or continues to grow.
   Sources used for this update (2)

   1. www.healthandme.com — DRC Says Ebola Outbreak Has Peaked, UN Warns It’s Still Growing
   2. www.statnews.com — WHO expresses cautious optimism about bid to control Ebola outbreak in DRC
   confidence 90%
2. 6d ago

   DR Congo Ebola Deaths Top 3,300 as Cases Surpass 7,000

   The Democratic Republic of Congo is experiencing its deadliest Ebola epidemic in history. Government data as of September 10 confirms 7,022 cases and 3,398 deaths. The World Health Organization warns that the virus is reaching new areas faster than treatment capacity can expand. Response efforts face critical shortages in both funding and personnel, hindering the ability to contain a virus that continues to outpace medical interventions.

   Why it matters

   The Bundibugyo outbreak has spread across 60 health zones in six provinces. The DRC government is seeking Sh173 billion through a 180-day response plan to manage the crisis.

   What is confirmed

   • The Democratic Republic of Congo recorded 7,022 confirmed Ebola cases and 3,398 deaths as of September 10.
   • The World Health Organization reports that Ebola is spreading to new areas faster than treatment capacity can be expanded.

   What to watch next

   • Updates on the procurement of 5,000 additional health workers
   • Confirmation of funding for the Sh173 billion response plan
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.today.com — Is There a Summer COVID Surge? With Cases Rising in Nearly Every State, Watch for These Symptoms
   2. anewz.tv — Congo Ebola death toll tops 3,100 as WHO cites staffing and funding shortages
   3. jen.jiji.com — New EAEU projects expected to generate tax revenue for Kazakhstan
   4. finance.biggo.com — Daniel Griffin: CDC Now Treats State Death Reports as 'Negotiable'
   5. qazinform.com — DR Congo confirms over 7,000 Ebola cases, 3,400 deaths
   confidence 100%
3. 10d ago

   DRC Ebola cases exceed 6,600 as virus spreads to 60 health zones

   The Bundibugyo Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 6,600 cases. As of September 2, reported cases reached 6,342 with 3,072 deaths, spreading across six provinces and 60 health zones. The virus is moving faster than containment efforts and has likely not peaked. To combat the spread, the DRC launched an updated 180-day response plan seeking Sh173 billion in funding, while World Health Organization officials state that 5,000 additional workers are required to control the situation.

   Why it matters

   This is the fastest spreading outbreak in the history of the virus and the deadliest ever recorded in the DRC. The scale and speed of the transmission have raised concerns about the potential for a wider epidemic.

   What is confirmed

   • The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the deadliest in the country's history.
   • As of September 2, the Bundibugyo virus caused 6,342 reported cases and 3,072 deaths.
   • The virus has spread to 60 health zones across six provinces.
   • Total cases have topped 6,600.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The virus has likely not yet peaked.

   What to watch next

   • Funding results for the 180-day response plan
   • Deployment of the 5,000 requested WHO workers
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.irishexaminer.com — Some are more at risk than others in horror ebola outbreak
   2. apnews.com — 5 challenges Congo faces in containing its fast-moving Ebola outbreak
   3. eastleighvoice.co.ke — DRC launches updated 180-day Ebola response plan, seeks Sh173 billion funding
   4. www.cidrap.umn.edu — Ebola outbreak in DR Congo tops 6,600 cases
   5. medicalxpress.com — DRC's Ebola outbreak has the potential to become a global pandemic. How to make sure it doesn't
   confidence 90%
4. 17d ago

   DR Congo Ebola deaths exceed 3,000 as UK increases funding

   The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed more than 3,000 people, with confirmed cases now exceeding 6,100. The disease shows no signs of slowing despite the recent discharge of five survivors from treatment centers in Beni, including one healthcare worker. To support containment efforts for the fastest spreading outbreak in the virus's history, the UK is increasing its financial commitment to 78.7 million pounds. This funding arrives as the UN seeks 1.1 billion dollars to manage the crisis.

   Why it matters

   The virus has spread to new regions with high mortality rates and a reproduction number near 1. This stability indicates the epidemic is not yet shrinking. The response relies on facilities like the Doctors Without Borders center in eastern DRC.

   What is confirmed

   • Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have topped 6,100.
   • The death toll from the outbreak has exceeded 3,000.
   • Five Ebola survivors, including a healthcare worker, were discharged from treatment centers in Beni.
   • The UK is increasing its funding commitment to 78.7 million pounds to contain the outbreak.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Critics have raised concerns that migration of African doctors to countries like the UK is worsening healthcare worker shortages in Africa.

   What to watch next

   • Updates on the UN's request for 1.1 billion dollars in funding
   • Data on whether the reproduction number drops below 1
   • Progress of the Ebola vaccination campaign in DR Congo
   Sources used for this update (6)

   1. www.independent.co.uk — UK to almost triple funding to tackle DR Congo’s deadly Ebola outbreak
   2. www.africanews.com — Five Ebola survivors discharged as DRCongo’s case count breaks 6,000
   3. von.gov.ng — Five Ebola Survivors Recover as DRC Cases Top 6,000
   4. www.trtworld.com — Ebola outbreak in DRC kills more than 3,000, government data shows
   5. apnews.com — Congo’s Ebola outbreak shows no signs of slowing as deaths top 3,000
   6. www.ibtimes.co.uk — UK Pledges £51 Million to Fight Congo Ebola as Critics Raise 'Poaching' Concerns Over African Doctors
   confidence 95%
5. 18d ago

   DRC Ebola outbreak surpasses 6000 cases, 3000 deaths

   The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak has exceeded 6000 cases and 3000 deaths, with the epidemic now considered the largest and fastest-growing in the country's history. The outbreak has spread to new areas with high mortality rates. The UN has requested $1.1bn to manage the response, citing a lack of global attention. The reproduction number has held near 1 for six weeks, indicating the virus is not yet shrinking.

   Why it matters

   The Ebola outbreak in the DRC has significant implications for global health security, with concerns about the potential for international spread. The epidemic has also highlighted issues of trust and misinformation in affected communities. The DRC's previous Ebola outbreaks have been smaller and more contained. The current response efforts face significant challenges in terms of funding and public cooperation.

   What is confirmed

   • The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded more than 6000 confirmed cases and nearly 3000 deaths from the country's worst Ebola epidemic ever.
   • The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is the fastest-growing in the history of the virus.
   • The UN is requesting $1.1bn to manage the response to the Ebola outbreak.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The reproduction number has held near 1 for six weeks, indicating the virus is not yet shrinking.

   What to watch next

   • The rollout of vaccines and their impact on the outbreak
   • The response to the UN's funding request and its impact on the epidemic
   • The evolution of the outbreak in terms of new cases and geographic spread
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. www.dailymail.com — Record Ebola outbreak has spread to two new areas experiencing high mortality rates, officials warn
   2. www.independent.co.uk — The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo is not just a medical crisis – it is also a crisis of trust
   3. medicalxpress.com — DR Congo Ebola epidemic passes 6,000 cases
   4. thenightly.com.au — Ebola outbreak: Infections surpass 6000 as epidemic declared largest in DRC’s history, vaccine rollout begins
   confidence 85%
6. 22d ago

   UN appeals for $1.1bn as DRC Ebola outbreak hits deadliest week

   The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo recorded its highest weekly death toll last week with over 300 new deaths. Total fatalities have exceeded 2,700 people. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has called for urgent international action, citing a lack of global attention. The UN is now requesting $1.1bn to manage the response. While the epidemic is the largest in the country's history, reports indicate the reproduction number has held near 1 for six weeks, meaning the virus is not yet shrinking.

   Why it matters

   The Bundibugyo outbreak is centered in Ituri and has spread across an area larger than France. Previous reports noted over 5,500 cases and the deployment of 16,000 Ervebo vaccine doses. The Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response warns the crisis could become the deadliest Ebola outbreak in history.

   What is confirmed

   • The Ebola outbreak in the DRC recorded its highest weekly death toll last week with more than 300 new deaths.
   • The outbreak has killed more than 2,700 people.
   • UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres called for an urgent increase in action due to a lack of international attention.
   • The UN is appealing for $1.1bn to tackle the outbreak.

   Still unconfirmed

   • Much of the population in eastern DR Congo has not followed necessary virus precautions.

   What to watch next

   • Whether the UN secures the requested $1.1bn in funding
   • Data on whether the reproduction number drops below 1
   • Progress reports on the 100-day window cited by the Independent Panel for Pandemic Preparedness and Response
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. www.cidrap.umn.edu — DR Congo suffers deadliest week in its Ebola outbreak
   2. www.scoop.co.nz — Ebola: The World Must Take Urgent And Bold Action To Turn The Tide In The Next 100 Days
   3. tass.com — Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo could become worst in history — media
   4. www.sabcnews.com — UN appeals for $1.1bn to tackle fast-growing Ebola outbreak in DRC
   5. english.news.cn — UN chief regrets lack of int'l attention to Ebola, calls for action
   6. www.forbes.com — Ebola Is Out of Control In Congo
   7. www.theguardian.com — ‘Behind every case, a person’: the man leading DRC’s Ebola fight on the human cost hidden behind the numbers
   confidence 90%
7. 25d ago

   DRC Ebola outbreak grows exponentially, tops 5,500 cases

   The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has grown exponentially, reaching over 5,500 cases, with concerns it could triple in size. The virus is spreading across an area larger than France. The DRC has received over 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which may provide some protection. Health officials warn the situation is dire and more resources are needed.

   Why it matters

   This is the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history. The epidemic has not yet peaked, and there are concerns about the impact on pregnant women and the security of health responders. The international community is being urged to provide more funding and support.

   What is confirmed

   • The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has grown exponentially and has not yet peaked.
   • The virus is spreading across an area larger than France.
   • The DRC has received over 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine.
   • More than 60,000 women are still at risk from the Ebola outbreak.
   • Twelve Red Cross volunteers have been injured and an ambulance set on fire in 11 violent incidents during the 100 days since the outbreak.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The deaths of pregnant women have doubled during the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history in DR Congo.

   What to watch next

   • Further updates on the number of cases and fatalities
   • International response and funding commitments
   • Effectiveness of the Ervebo vaccine in combating the Bundibugyo strain
   Sources used for this update (4)

   1. jen.jiji.com — Trump, doctors warn: "His weight a significant health risk"
   2. www.cidrap.umn.edu — As DR Congo Ebola outbreak tops 5,500 cases, calls for more resources intensify
   3. healthpolicy-watch.news — Violence Against Ebola Responders Mounts in DRC as Red Cross Condemns Attacks
   4. au.news.yahoo.com — Deaths of pregnant women double during fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history in DR Congo
   confidence 95%
8. 28d ago

   DRC Ebola outbreak expands exponentially across region larger than France

   The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to grow exponentially and has not yet peaked. Data from authorities and Africa's top public health agency indicate the epidemic could reach three times its current known size. A senior UN official reports the virus is spreading across an area larger than France. To combat the Bundibugyo strain, the DRC has received over 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, which the WHO notes may provide some protection despite being most effective against the Zaire strain.

   Why it matters

   This outbreak is spreading nearly three times faster than the 2014-16 West Africa epidemic. While officially declared in May, the virus began spreading in February. The surge is driven by the Bundibugyo strain and has increased hunger in the eastern region.

   What is confirmed

   • The Ebola outbreak in Congo has not peaked and could be three times its current known size.
   • Over 16,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine have arrived in the Democratic Republic of Congo.
   • The WHO states the Ervebo vaccine may provide some protection against the Bundibugyo strain.

   Still unconfirmed

   • A senior UN official claims the outbreak is spreading in an area bigger than France.
   • Ottawa is reviewing restrictions and will announce a decision on its mandatory 21-day quarantine before it expires next week.

   What to watch next

   • Ottawa's decision on the 21-day quarantine expiration next week
   • Data indicating the outbreak has peaked
   • Reports on the effectiveness of Ervebo against the Bundibugyo strain in the field
   Sources used for this update (7)

   1. apnews.com — Here’s data that shows Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to surpass history’s largest
   2. medicalxpress.com — Here's data that shows Congo's Ebola outbreak is on track to surpass history's largest
   3. jen.jiji.com — Lautaro Martinez to Barcelona? Marotta reassures fans: "The conditions are not there"
   4. www.theglobeandmail.com — Ebola quarantine hinders response amid fastest-growing outbreak, aid workers say
   5. www.abc.net.au — Thousands of Ervebo vaccine doses arrive in Ebola-stricken Democratic Republic of the Congo
   6. eastleighvoice.co.ke — DRC Ebola outbreak 'growing exponentially,' UN says
   7. jen.jiji.com — Finardi prepares for Dancing with the Stars: "Who knows if I'll end up in some little scandal"
   confidence 90%
9. 36d ago

   DRC Ebola deaths surpass 2,000 as outbreak outpaces deadliest historical epidemic

   The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed 2,011 lives and infected 4,381 people. The World Health Organization warns this surge is on track to surpass the deadliest Ebola epidemic in history. This current outbreak is spreading nearly three times faster than the 2014-16 West Africa epidemic. While officially declared in May, the WHO now states the virus began spreading in February. The Bundibugyo strain is driving this growth, which continues to exacerbate hunger levels in the eastern region.

   Why it matters

   The 2014-16 West Africa outbreak remains the deadliest on record. Current genomic sequencing identifies the Bundibugyo strain as the cause of the DRC surge. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya previously noted that the peak of the outbreak remains unclear.

   What is confirmed

   • The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has caused 2,011 deaths and 4,381 confirmed cases.
   • The World Health Organization states the outbreak began in February, prior to its May declaration.
   • This epidemic is the fastest-growing in the history of the virus.
   • The outbreak is spreading almost three times faster than the 2014-16 West Africa outbreak.

   Still unconfirmed

   • The outbreak is on track to eclipse the deadliest one in history.
   • Genomic sequencing identifies the Bundibugyo strain as the cause of the outbreak.

   What to watch next

   • Updates on the peak of the surge from Africa CDC
   • Data on whether total deaths surpass the 2014-16 West Africa totals
   Sources used for this update (5)

   1. www.cidrap.umn.edu — WHO: Ebola outbreak began in February, deaths near 2,000
   2. www.pbs.org — Congo's fast-moving Ebola outbreak started month before it was declared, WHO says
   3. www.pbs.org — Fastest-growing Ebola outbreak in history has claimed 2,000 lives. Here's why it is hard to contain
   4. www.latimes.com — WHO says Congo’s Ebola outbreak is on track to eclipse the deadliest one in history
   5. news.rthk.hk — Ebola outbreak in DRC reaches grim milestone
   confidence 90%
10. 45d ago

    Ebola deaths in eastern Congo reach 1,700 as outbreak accelerates

    The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed 1,700 people and infected more than 3,600 individuals since May. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya stated it is unclear when the surge will peak. This epidemic is the fastest-growing in the history of the virus. While the official start date was May, a field study suggests the virus was present in Mongbwalu as early as mid-January. The rapid spread continues to intensify hunger levels in the eastern region despite ongoing international response efforts.

    Why it matters

    This outbreak is now the largest in history according to the WHO. It follows a pattern of rapid transmission that has outpaced previous epidemiological models. The crisis coincides with severe food insecurity in eastern DRC.

    What is confirmed

    • The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the fastest-growing in the history of the virus.
    • More than 3,600 people have been infected since the outbreak began in May.
    • The death toll in eastern Congo has reached 1,700.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The Bundibugyo Ebola outbreak likely began in January with more than 500 cases in Mongbwalu.
    • Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya said it is unclear when the current outbreak will reach its peak.

    What to watch next

    • Updates on the peak of the infection curve from Africa CDC
    • Verification of the January start date in Mongbwalu
    • Reports on hunger levels in eastern DRC linked to the virus spread
    Sources used for this update (5)

    1. consent.yahoo.com — The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever
    2. www.forbes.com — The Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak Congo Declared In May Likely Began In January
    3. economictimes.indiatimes.com — COVID-19 Vaccine
    4. www.sabcnews.com — DRC faces largest Ebola outbreak in history: WHO
    5. www.statnews.com — Ebola kills 1,700 in eastern Congo as the fastest-growing outbreak surges
    confidence 90%
11. 45d ago

    Ebola death toll reaches 1,700 in eastern Congo outbreak

    The Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has killed 1,700 people. The World Health Organization identifies this as the largest outbreak in history, with over 3,600 infections since May. Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya stated it is unclear when the surge will peak. The virus is spreading faster than any previous instance since its discovery, while a UN agency chief reports the epidemic is worsening hunger levels in the affected region.

    Why it matters

    The Bundibugyo strain is driving the current crisis. This outbreak is the second-largest in history by some metrics but the fastest-growing overall. International response efforts continue as the virus spreads through the eastern region.

    What is confirmed

    • More than 3,600 people have been infected since the outbreak began in May.
    • The death toll in eastern Congo has reached 1,700.
    • The current outbreak is the fastest-growing since the virus was first identified.

    Still unconfirmed

    • A field study suggests more than 500 cases existed in Mongbwalu from mid-January, months before the official May declaration.

    What to watch next

    • Official confirmation of the January start date for the outbreak
    • Statements from Jean Kaseya regarding the projected peak of the surge
    Sources used for this update (5)

    1. consent.yahoo.com — The fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever
    2. www.forbes.com — The Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak Congo Declared In May Likely Began In January
    3. economictimes.indiatimes.com — COVID-19 Vaccine
    4. www.sabcnews.com — DRC faces largest Ebola outbreak in history: WHO
    5. www.statnews.com — Ebola kills 1,700 in eastern Congo as the fastest-growing outbreak surges
    confidence 90%
12. 48d ago

    DRC Ebola Outbreak Becomes Second-Largest on Record

    An Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the second-largest in history and the fastest-growing since the virus was first identified. The death toll has now surpassed 1,500 people. A UN agency chief warned that the rapid spread of the virus is exacerbating hunger levels in the eastern region of the country. The epidemic continues to spread despite international attention and response efforts.

    Why it matters

    The speed of this outbreak is unprecedented for the virus. Its growth creates a dual crisis by compounding food insecurity in an already vulnerable region. The scale of the mortality makes it the second-deadliest event of its kind globally.

    What is confirmed

    • The Ebola outbreak in the DRC is the fastest growing in the history of the virus.
    • The outbreak is the second-largest on record.
    • The death toll in the outbreak has passed 1,500.
    • The epidemic is located in the Democratic Republic of Congo.

    Still unconfirmed

    • The outbreak is worsening hunger in eastern Congo.

    What to watch next

    • Updated death toll figures from the Congo government
    • Reports on food security interventions in eastern Congo
    • Identification of the specific strain or origin of the virus
    Sources used for this update (9)

    1. The Guardian — Ebola outbreak in DRC the fastest growing in the history of the virus
    2. CNN — Fast-growing Ebola outbreak in DRC surges to second-largest on record
    3. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Congo says the death toll in fastest-growing Ebola outbreak has passed 1,500
    4. PBS — Fastest growing Ebola outbreak is worsening hunger in eastern Congo, UN agency chief warns
    5. The New York Times — Ebola Outbreak Is Now the Second-Deadliest Ever, and in Record Time
    6. ABC News - Breaking News, Latest News and Videos — Ebola deaths surpass 1,500 in DRC as outbreak continues to spread
    7. Reuters — Congo's Ebola outbreak is second-largest on record, latest data shows
    8. Reuters — Congo's Ebola outbreak started at least in January, report shows
    9. Al Jazeera — DR Congo Ebola epidemic becomes world’s second largest outbreak
    confidence 95%