The Ebola outbreak in Congo has claimed the lives of more than three thousand people out of over 6,100 confirmed cases. According to the latest government data released today, the outbreak has recorded 6,186 confirmed cases, including 3,007 deaths, since it was declared in mid-May. It is now the fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record.
The disease is spreading rapidly for several reasons, including conflict in the country’s eastern region, where the outbreak is concentrated, attacks on health workers, the movement of miners, and inadequate health infrastructure. The reopening of schools during the outbreak has also raised concerns about the spread of the virus in classrooms.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the outbreak could surpass the deadliest Ebola outbreak on record-the West African outbreak between 2014 and 2016, which killed around 11,000 people. There is currently no vaccine or approved treatment specifically for the rare Bundibugyo virus strain responsible for the current outbreak.
The government is, however, distributing the Ervebo vaccine, which has been used to help control previous Ebola outbreaks. The WHO says the vaccine could offer some protection. The virus has now spread to six provinces in Congo.
