DR Congo Ebola outbreak nears 1,000 deaths as cases surge rapidly

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached nearly 1,000 deaths and more than 2,470 cases, making it the third-largest outbreak on record and the fastest-spreading ever. Source: La Vanguardia The outbreak, declared on May 15 in Ituri province, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no vaccine or approved treatment exists, complicating containment. Source: Infobae

Children hit hard

Save the Children reports that at least 189 children have died and 476 have been infected, representing about a fifth of confirmed deaths. The organization provides psychosocial support to over 4,000 children in Ituri, who face emotional trauma from witnessing illness and death. Source: El Nacional

Challenges to response

The outbreak is spreading faster than any previous one, with over 80% of new cases emerging from unknown transmission chains, according to the WHO. Source: Clarin Community resistance, attacks on health workers, and a strike by medical staff over unpaid salaries are hampering efforts. In Ituri, burial teams require security escorts due to hostility. Source: Listin Diario Meanwhile, the M23 militia has used the crisis to legitimize its control by setting up its own health response. Source: El Confidencial

Scientific response

Clinical trials for treatments (remdesivir and MBP134) have begun, and the University of Oxford launched a phase I vaccine trial for Bundibugyo. Source: Euronews Uganda, which reported 20 cases, discharged its last patient and began a 42-day countdown to declare the outbreak over. Source: Diario Libre