BUNIA, Congo — The Ebola outbreak in Congo has led to the death of at least 930 people, as reported by the Ministry of Health on Monday. In just a 24-hour period from Friday to Saturday, there were 37 new fatalities, marking one of the highest daily totals observed.
This data comes from 2,344 confirmed cases as of Saturday, according to the health ministry.
The outbreak, which was declared on May 15 in eastern Congo, is reported to be the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak ever recorded. The Bundibugyo virus responsible for it is rarer compared to other Ebola strains, and sadly, there is neither an approved vaccine nor a specific treatment available.
Ebola is known to be highly contagious, passing from wild animals to humans prominently through contact with bodily fluids like blood, vomit, or semen. Additionally, it can spread via contaminated surfaces such as bedding and clothing. Though infrequent, the disease is often severe and can be fatal.
The recent spike in deaths has coincided with increasing safety concerns, which have constrained response efforts in Ituri, the province hardest hit by the outbreak. So far, five provinces in the eastern region have been affected, where violence from rebels is a common issue.
Authorities reported at least 12 attacks targeting health facilities and teams since the outbreak began. Much of this has been linked to skepticism and misinformation surrounding the epidemic. Many health workers have also stopped working due to unpaid wages.
Tragically, at least 36 health workers have died after contracting the virus. The World Health Organization expressed alarm recently, noting that 80% of new Ebola cases are arising from unidentified transmission chains, indicating that the outbreak is expanding beyond the capacity of health officials to monitor.
According to the latest update from Congo’s Health Ministry, 724 patients are currently isolated in hospitals, and efforts to tackle the outbreak are being intensified in the affected health areas. “We are consolidating patient care and support capacities, with 22 more recoveries reported in the last 24 hours,” the ministry stated.
