DRC Ebola outbreak becomes deadliest in the country's history
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has become the deadliest in the country's history and the second largest globally. The World Health Organization (WHO) warns that if the outbreak continues at its current pace, it could eventually surpass the devastating 2014–2016 epidemic in West Africa.
In the face of a lethal virus, humanity once again realises the fragility of its achievements. Ebola reminds us that nature knows no borders, and fighting an epidemic demands not only medical expertise but also global solidarity, swift decision making and trust in science. Each new outbreak tests healthcare systems and our collective readiness to act when thousands of lives are at stake.
According to the latest data released by the country's health authorities on Sunday evening, since the start of the current outbreak, the DRC has recorded 4,945 confirmed cases, including 2,325 deaths. The case fatality rate stands at 47.0%, and 1,040 people have recovered. WHO data show that during the 2018–2020 outbreak in eastern DRC, there were 3,481 cases (including 3,323 confirmed), 2,299 deaths and 1,162 recoveries. That was previously the deadliest Ebola outbreak in the country's history.
WHO Director General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus warned on 12 August that the outbreak is spreading faster than any previous Ebola epidemic in the country and, at the current rate, could surpass the West African Ebola outbreak of 2014–2016. The 2014–2016 West African epidemic, the largest ever recorded, infected over 28,600 people and claimed more than 11,000 lives, mainly in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
Currently, cases have been identified in 55 health zones across six provinces – Ituri, North Kivu, Upper Uele, Tshopo, South Kivu and Lower Uele. Ituri remains the epicentre, accounting for 4,194 confirmed cases (nearly 85% of the national total) and 1,838 deaths. This outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, is the 17th recorded Ebola epidemic in the DRC since the virus was first detected in the country in 1976.
As CCTV+ reports, the current crisis in the DRC underscores the urgent need to strengthen public health systems in vulnerable regions and accelerate the development of vaccines and treatments. The international community continues to mobilise resources, yet time is working against responders – every day of delay could cost hundreds of lives. The world once again faces a challenge that can only be met through the united will of all nations.
