Ebola deaths cross 1,700 in eastern DR Congo as outbreak worsens

The deadliest Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo's history shows no sign of slowing. More than 1,700 people have now died in the eastern provinces, where the virus has spread faster than health workers can contain it.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has called the situation the fastest-growing outbreak the country has seen. Cases continue to emerge in remote communities, many of which are difficult to reach due to poor roads and ongoing conflict.

WHO chief on the ground

WHO Director-General Dr Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus visited the affected region this week as part of an urgent assessment. His visit comes at a critical time, with local health workers on strike over pay and working conditions.

The strike has disrupted vaccination campaigns and contact tracing efforts. Officials say the unrest is hampering the response at a moment when every day counts.

Underfunded and overstretched

International aid groups have repeatedly warned that the response is underfunded. The WHO has pleaded for more support, saying the current resources are not enough to stop the virus from spreading further.

Logistical challenges add to the difficulty. The outbreak is centred in North Kivu and Ituri provinces, where armed groups operate and humanitarian access is often limited.

Despite these hurdles, health teams continue to administer vaccines and treat patients in isolation units. But the scale of the outbreak is stretching capacities to the limit.

A familiar virus, a new challenge

The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a strain of Ebola that was first identified in Uganda in 2007. It is less well-known than the Zaire strain that caused the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic.

Experts say the Bundibugyo strain may behave differently, and the lack of a dedicated vaccine for this variant complicates prevention efforts. The WHO has noted that existing Ebola vaccines may offer some cross-protection, but data is limited.

Community mistrust and violence

Community resistance has been a persistent obstacle. Some residents remain suspicious of health workers and treatment centres, leading to delays in seeking care.

Attacks on health facilities have occurred in the past, forcing aid agencies to suspend operations temporarily. The current strike has added another layer of strain.

Local authorities and religious leaders are trying to build trust, but progress is slow. The WHO chief's visit is partly aimed at reassuring communities and encouraging cooperation.

What happens next

The coming weeks will be crucial. The WHO has called for an immediate end to the strike and for more international funding to scale up the response.

Without additional support, the outbreak is likely to continue spreading across the region. The agency has warned that the virus could cross into neighbouring countries if containment fails.

All eyes will be on the next few weeks as health teams work to regain momentum and prevent the death toll from rising further.