Congo's Ebola outbreak, the fastest-growing in history, has spread to two new health zones in the east, according to the latest government figures. The new zones are Biena and Manguredjipa in North Kivu province, where the case fatality rate is much higher than the overall rate of 48%, due in part to delayed response efforts.
The Ministry of Health reports 5,794 confirmed cases, including 2,786 deaths, as the outbreak spreads at an unprecedented speed, outpacing efforts to track and slow it.
The outbreak is spreading under extremely difficult conditions, fueled by insecurity, displacement, a health workers' strike, and intense population movements. The World Health Organization warns that it remains out of control and could surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, which killed more than 11,000 people, primarily in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone.
On Thursday, Congo began vaccinating health workers and front-line workers with the Ervebo vaccine, effective against the Zaire strain. However, there is no approved vaccine or treatment for the rare Bundibugyo virus causing the current outbreak, and clinical trials are ongoing.
Although the outbreak was officially declared in mid-May, officials believe it has been spreading since February. It has spread from three health zones to nearly 60, with most cases and deaths occurring outside monitored contacts and within communities.
Efforts to control the outbreak, including restrictions on public gatherings, social distancing, and airport closures, have disrupted life in affected provinces, particularly Ituri, which has been ravaged by rebel violence. The government has introduced measures such as installing health equipment, but advocacy groups say more needs to be done to build community trust.