Ebola cases in DR Congo surpass 10,000 in fastest-growing outbreak

What the report says

Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have crossed 10,000, according to government data reported by Al Jazeera, making it the country’s fastest-growing outbreak on record. The Ministry of Public Health figures cited by the outlet put confirmed cases at 10,060 and deaths at 4,887, with nearly half of confirmed patients having died. The outbreak was declared on May 15 and is being driven by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare Ebola strain.

Al Jazeera reported that the crisis has spread well beyond its early epicentre, with cases now recorded in 66 health zones across eight provinces. Health responders say many infections are coming from outside the contact-tracing chains they are monitoring, which complicates containment efforts. The report also said treatment centres are under strain, some remote areas lack supplies and staff, and routine health services such as childhood vaccinations have been disrupted.

The outlet said cross-border spread has become a major concern. Uganda has imposed a 21-day quarantine for returning citizens, while Kenya, Nigeria and Switzerland have each dealt with linked cases or exposed travelers. The World Health Organization also announced the launch of the first clinical trial for an Ebola vaccine during the outbreak, although no approved vaccine or treatment exists for this strain. Al Jazeera noted that health workers have faced violence and unpaid wage disputes, underlining the broader challenge of mounting an effective response.