The World Health Organization (WHO) warned on Wednesday that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reached its second-largest level in history. The number of confirmed cases has risen to 4,449, and the death toll stands at 2,061.
According to the latest data published on Wednesday by DRC public health authorities, the overall fatality rate has reached 46.3%. Currently, 716 patients are in isolation or under observation in hospitals, while 886 people have recovered.
During a press briefing in Geneva, WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus noted that the outbreak gained a significant advantage before it was detected, and response efforts are still not keeping pace with the situation's development.
The WHO reported that about 90% of all confirmed cases and 80% of deaths were recorded in the Ituri province, where sustained virus transmission continues. Tedros added that a significant proportion of deaths occur in communities rather than in treatment centers, and many cases are found outside known contact lists, indicating that transmission chains remain undetermined.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, was officially declared by the DRC government on May 15. Chikwe Ihekweazu, Executive Director of the WHO Health Emergencies Programme, stated that investigations suggest the virus may have been circulating for two to three months before the official detection of the outbreak, although the exact start of transmission is still being determined.
