Ebola infections in DR Congo surge to 3,200, with 1,405 deaths

What the report says

Al Jazeera, citing government data, reported that Ebola infections in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have climbed to 3,200, with at least 1,405 deaths, as the country confronts its 17th recorded outbreak of the disease. The figures, released Sunday and reported July 27, indicate roughly 1,000 additional cases were identified over a 10-day period.

The outbreak was declared on May 15 and is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which Al Jazeera reported there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. The World Health Organization said almost nine in 10 cases have been recorded in Ituri, a northeastern province bordering South Sudan and Uganda, while the virus is now present in five provinces, including two where it recently spread.

Humanitarian access is a major constraint. Hedley Tah of the UN Humanitarian Air Service told Al Jazeera that reaching affected areas is a central challenge, while UNHAS is transporting medical teams and laboratory samples to support testing and traceability. Authorities said expanded testing and detection have contributed to the higher number of confirmed infections.

The report said the outbreak may continue for months, with response efforts also affected by strikes among healthcare workers seeking unpaid wages. For context, Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids and can cause severe hemorrhagic fever. Al Jazeera noted that scientists are accelerating work on Bundibugyo-specific tools, including an Oxford University experimental vaccine that has begun testing in a first volunteer group, alongside other vaccine candidates and possible treatments in development.