DR Congo Ebola death toll surpasses 5,000 as outbreak spreads

The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has surpassed 5,000, with more than 10,000 confirmed infections recorded since the outbreak was declared in May, according to government data.

Caused by the Bundibugyo virus, the outbreak has spread to eight of the country's 26 provinces. It is the deadliest Ebola epidemic recorded in the DRC and the second-largest globally, after the 2014–2016 outbreak in West Africa.

The response has been hampered by insecurity, delayed detection of infections and overstretched healthcare services. Many deaths have occurred in communities rather than treatment centers, highlighting challenges in identifying cases early and ensuring patients receive timely care.

In September, an independent scientific review convened by the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported progress in some areas, including declining cases and deaths in parts of Ituri Province.

However, the review cautioned that transmission was not consistently under control across affected areas, with cases rising in some health zones, particularly in North Kivu. It also identified persistent community deaths and gaps in contact tracing as major concerns.

Africa CDC has said there are no approved vaccines or specific treatments for the Bundibugyo virus, although research is ongoing.

The outbreak has also spread beyond the DRC, with cases reported in Uganda, Kenya and Nigeria. WHO has also reported a case in France, underscoring the risk of further international transmission.