Ebola Death Toll in DR Congo Surpasses 1,300 as Outbreak Accelerates

The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is facing its fastest-growing Ebola outbreak on record, with the death toll climbing above 1,300 as the virus continues to spread rapidly across the country's northeastern Ituri Province.

According to updated government figures, the outbreak has resulted in 2,973 confirmed cases, including 1,309 deaths, marking a sharp increase in infections and fatalities within just a few days.

Health experts have warned that the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, responsible for the current outbreak, has no approved vaccine or treatment, making containment efforts more difficult. Public health specialists described the outbreak as spreading "like wildfire," especially in conflict-affected communities where access to healthcare remains limited.

Scientists have begun testing an experimental vaccine developed by the University of Oxford, with the first volunteer receiving a dose as researchers race to slow the epidemic.

The crisis has also been worsened by strikes by healthcare workers over unpaid wages, shortages of protective equipment, and insecurity in affected areas. More than 100 health workers have contracted the virus, while about 35 have died since the outbreak was declared in May.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the actual number of infections could be far higher than official figures due to limited access to some communities affected by ongoing violence.

Health officials are urging stronger international support and an end to the conflict in eastern DRC to allow emergency response teams to reach vulnerable populations before the outbreak spreads even further.

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