Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo surpasses 11,000 cases

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 11,000 cases, with 5,387 deaths reported. The outbreak, declared in May, is the deadliest recorded in the country. The eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu are the most affected, accounting for the majority of new cases. The Bundibugyo strain, responsible for this outbreak, lacks a known vaccine or treatment. The WHO is testing two vaccines, while a vaccination campaign using the Ervebo vaccine has begun. Violence and distrust in affected communities hinder health efforts, with attacks on health workers reported. The outbreak has spread to neighboring countries, including Uganda, Kenya, and Nigeria, and has also reached France. This is the 17th Ebola epidemic in the DRC, making it the second deadliest globally, following the West African outbreak from 2014 to 2016.