Congo outbreak kills over 1,000 as cases surge

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The Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached 1,033 confirmed deaths and 2,536 cases since it was declared on 15 May, making it the fastest to reach 1,000 fatalities—about three times quicker than the 2014–2016 epidemic. This outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare variant for which there are no approved vaccines or treatments. Cases are concentrated in five eastern provinces near the Uganda border and a few neighboring countries have recorded cases. Officials report a 40% case fatality rate so far, blame late reporting, and warn the peak could still be ahead given many cases are outside monitored contacts.

Bundibugyo-driven outbreak reached 1,000 deaths in just over two months