According to data from Congo’s public health institute seen by Reuters, 2,011 people have died, while 4,381 confirmed cases have been recorded across five provinces.

The outbreak, Congo’s 17th, is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or treatments.

Delayed detection, insecurity and strained health services have complicated efforts to trace contacts, isolate patients and contain transmission.

The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak, which has also spread to neighbouring Uganda, a public health emergency of international concern.

The speed of the outbreak has raised concern among health officials. Deaths doubled from 1,000 to more than 2,000 in less than a month, compared with more than 12 months during Congo’s 2018–2020 outbreak.

Community mistrust and resistance have also complicated containment efforts.