Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are struggling to contain an Ebola outbreak that has spread to five other provinces since its declaration in Ituri.
The outbreak, declared on 15 May in Ituri province, has since spread to five other provinces and is on track to become the largest in history. As of Sunday, 2,325 people had died and the number of confirmed cases stood at 4,945, according to DRC government data. The strain involved is the rare Bundibugyo virus, for which two vaccines are currently being tested on people for the first time.
The response is being hindered by conflict, misinformation, and a lack of trust in health workers. The outbreak is centered in a mineral-rich region affected by armed groups, and humanitarian funding for DRC has declined sharply in recent years. Health workers in Ituri recently went on strike due to unpaid wages, leading to the temporary closure of a treatment center.
Why it matters
Ebola strain without vaccine spreads as containment efforts weaken; the broader context is that The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has spread to a sixth province, according to officials, with the World Health Organization warning that the outbreak.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.
What to watch
Watch for signs of the virus crossing into neighboring countries with weak health systems.
This section reflects Dumpling editorial interpretation and is provided for context only.