Ebola cases in Congo surpass 6,000, government data shows

Key facts

• Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have surpassed 6,041.
• The outbreak has resulted in 2,911 deaths.
• Over 1,360 individuals have recovered from the virus.
• The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which lacks approved vaccines or treatments.
• The epidemic is spreading under challenging conditions, including insecurity and displacement.

Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have surpassed 6,000, with 2,911 deaths, according to government data. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments, is spreading under extremely difficult conditions fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike, and intense population movements.

More than 1,360 people have recovered from the virus, which authorities described as an "encouraging" development. The World Health Organization has stated that the epidemic remains out of control and is on track to surpass the deadliest Ebola outbreak on record in West Africa from 2014-2016.

Response efforts are underway in six provinces, particularly Ituri, which has also been affected by rebel violence. Last week, the virus spread to two new health zones. An Ebola response team was recently attacked by armed individuals while responding to a call to secure a body, prompting demands for greater security from response team members.

Congo has begun vaccinating health and front-line workers with the Ervebo vaccine, which was effective in past outbreaks of a different Ebola type, while clinical trials for a Bundibugyo virus vaccine are ongoing. Officials believe the outbreak, declared in mid-May, had been spreading since February, with most cases and deaths occurring outside monitored contacts and within communities.