Congo records its biggest Ebola outbreak to date

The Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed a surge in Ebola cases, bringing the total number of infections to a record high for the country. Health authorities reported that the latest figures bring the cumulative count to over 2,300 confirmed cases since the outbreak began earlier this year, with more than 1,500 deaths. The Ministry of Health has declared a state of emergency in the affected provinces of North Kivu and Ituri, mobilising additional medical teams, treatment centers and vaccination campaigns.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has dispatched extra personnel and supplies to support the national response, emphasizing the need for rapid contact tracing and community engagement to curb further spread. International partners, including the United Nations and several NGOs, are providing logistical assistance, personal protective equipment and funding for the procurement of experimental treatments. Officials warned that the outbreak could strain an already fragile health system already coping with limited resources.

The eastern region of the DRC has been plagued by armed conflict for more than two decades, involving government forces, rebel groups and foreign militias. Violence has displaced millions, disrupted health services and hindered disease surveillance, creating conditions that facilitate the spread of infectious diseases such as Ebola. The ongoing insecurity complicates efforts to reach remote villages and maintain safe burial practices, both critical to controlling the virus.

Despite the heightened emergency measures, health officials say that vaccine coverage remains low, with only a fraction of the at‑risk population having received the rVSV‑ZEBOV vaccine. Community leaders are being urged to cooperate with health workers to report suspected cases and adhere to preventive guidelines. The situation remains fluid, and authorities continue to monitor the outbreak closely.