DR Congo Ebola outbreak reaches 7,890 cases as health response struggles

The Democratic Republic of the Congo has recorded 7,890 confirmed cases and 3,799 deaths in an Ebola outbreak that began in May, according to World Health Organization figures reported as of September 23. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, now affects 63 health zones across seven provinces and has spread to Bulu, near the Central African Republic, and Dungu, near South Sudan.

Ituri remains the epicentre, with 6,032 confirmed cases, including 868 reported during the latest 21-day period. North Kivu has recorded 1,480 new cases, including 567 during that period, and has a reported fatality rate of nearly 60 percent.

WHO officials said conflict, population displacement and limited access are obstructing treatment and contact tracing. Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention Director-General Jean Kaseya said more than 7,000 cases would be expected to generate about 420,000 contacts, but only 30,000 people were on contact lists. The WHO has also warned that the country lacks enough health workers for treatment centres.

There is no approved vaccine for Bundibugyo Ebola. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations redirected $100 million to vaccine development, supporting candidates from Oxford University and Moderna. Both have entered safety trials, with efficacy trials expected to start this month. Public distrust remains a barrier: humanitarian workers have been attacked, medical equipment damaged and safe burials delayed, complicating efforts to isolate cases and test vaccines.