Ebola Outbreak in Eastern DRC Grows to Nearly 600 Cases

The World Health Organization reported 139 suspected deaths and nearly 600 probable cases linked to Ebola virus disease in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo on May 19. The figures were announced five days after the first cases were confirmed on May 15.

The current outbreak has already surpassed previous incidents in scale within its first week. It is the largest Ebola outbreak in the country since the 2018-2020 epidemic that killed nearly 2,300 people.

Health authorities have not yet determined when the outbreak began. The first known patient was a healthcare worker who died in Bunia, capital of Ituri province, between April 24 and 27. The World Health Organization stated the outbreak may have started weeks or months earlier than the first recorded cases. Precise tracking of initial infections has not been possible.

The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which has caused only two small-scale outbreaks previously. Limited research exists on this particular variant. Fatality rate estimates for the strain range from 25% to 50%. The actual rate depends on the quality of medical care available to patients.

Red Cross workers placed the body of a person who died from Ebola in a coffin at a health center in Rwampara on May 20.