Key facts
- Over 10,000 cases and nearly 5,000 deaths recorded in the DRC.
- The outbreak is the second largest globally and the fastest growing in DRC's history.
- The Bundibugyo Ebola virus, for which there is no available vaccine or treatment, is the cause.
- The outbreak has spread to eight provinces in the DRC and neighboring countries.
- A nurse was killed and a health worker injured while responding to an Ebola alert.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 10,000 cases and nearly 5,000 deaths, making it the country's largest on record and the second largest globally. The outbreak, caused by the rare Bundibugyo Ebola virus, began in mid-May amid conflict and displacement in the DRC's eastern region and has since spread to eight provinces. Save the Children reported that over 2,700 children are among those infected. Neighboring countries like Kenya, Nigeria, and Uganda have also recorded cases or implemented travel restrictions and quarantine measures. Health officials are urging faster responses to contain the cross-border spread.