Deadly Rare Ebola Strain Surges in Eastern DRC, No Treatment Exists

The humanitarian coordinator for the Democratic Republic of Congo arrived in Bunia on Sunday to lead the response against a fast-moving Ebola outbreak caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain. This strain has no approved treatments or vaccines.

In the past day, 27 new cases were confirmed, bringing the total to 515 across three provinces. 91 people have died, and 12 have recovered. Uganda has also reported 19 cases and two deaths.

Response efforts face significant challenges, including gaps in contact tracing, limited treatment capacity, and shortages of essential medicines. The outbreak is complicating an already severe humanitarian situation, with nearly 15 million people in need and 3.4 million displaced in affected zones.

Declared a Public Health Emergency of International Concern, this is the DRC's 17th Ebola outbreak. Last week, WHO and Africa CDC launched a $518 million continental response plan to help African countries prepare and detect the virus. WHO has also sent protective equipment to Zambia, which faces potential risk due to high cross-border movement.