Congo Ebola outbreak tops 2,600 deaths, 5,500 cases

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the deadliest in the country's history, with authorities reporting 2,642 deaths and 5,514 confirmed cases as of August 22 Source: infobae. The outbreak, declared on May 15, is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists Source: Euronews. It has spread across six provinces, with Ituri as the epicenter, and is growing exponentially, covering an area larger than France Source: lavanguardia.

Response challenges

Health workers face immense challenges. The UN's Ebola coordinator, Julien Harneis, warns that the outbreak is outpacing the response and that funds will run out within weeks Source: lavanguardia. Attacks on health workers are a major concern: the Red Cross reports 12 volunteers injured and 11 violent incidents since May, including stoned ambulances and destroyed equipment Source: euronewses. Additionally, a liquidity crisis prevents paying health workers, as commercial flights carrying cash were suspended Source: diariolibree.

Vaccination efforts

The WHO has authorized the shipment of 70,000 doses of the Ervebo vaccine, originally designed for the Zaire strain, to test its efficacy against Bundibugyo Source: abces. The first 16,520 doses have arrived, with 20,000 reserved for a phase 3 trial Source: infobae. Two other vaccines specifically targeting Bundibugyo are in phase 1 trials Source: elconfidencial.

Disagreements

Sources differ on the case fatality rate: the INSP reports 47.9% Source: infobae, while other outlets cite 47.6% Source: elcaribedr. The number of health worker deaths also varies: the UN says 43 Source: lavanguardia, while another report claims 63 Source: diariolibree. These discrepancies reflect the rapidly evolving situation.