Congo's Ebola Crisis Worsens as Cases Spread Beyond Control, WHO Warns

Outbreak Still in Expansion Phase, Says WHO

The Ebola epidemic sweeping through the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to spread unchecked, according to the World Health Organisation. The DRC has recorded 1,561 confirmed cases and 506 deaths from the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola—the deadliest outbreak of this rare variant on record. Despite global efforts to contain the virus, officials say the situation has not stabilised and remains in an active expansion phase.

Anne Ancia, WHO representative in Congo, highlighted the critical obstacles hampering response efforts. Treatment centres are operating at 90% capacity, leaving little room for new patients. A major driver of transmission is population movement, particularly in the mining town of Mongbwalu, where infected workers are travelling to other regions instead of seeking local treatment, spreading the disease to their families and communities.

Healthcare workers bear the heaviest burden. Many have contracted Ebola whilst treating patients, and survivors report severe shortages of protective equipment including gloves, boots and waterproof overalls. Staff in the hardest-hit Ituri province recently went on strike over unpaid salaries, though most have since returned to work. However, some groups remain off the job, creating dangerous gaps in disease surveillance and containment efforts.

The Bundibugyo strain has no proven cure or treatment, making prevention through early detection and isolation critical. Authorities are establishing additional road checkpoints to intercept infected travellers before they reach new areas.