A new wave of the Ebola virus is spreading rapidly in the eastern region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where the situation has deteriorated to a dangerous level. According to authorities, 782 confirmed cases have been reported so far, while 181 people have lost their lives.
According to the Ministry of Health, the outbreak spread silently and was officially confirmed on May 15, raising concerns that the actual number of cases during the initial weeks may have been even higher. Experts say that contact tracing capacity has also dropped to just 56 percent, further worsening the situation.
According to reports, the new outbreak is linked to a rare Bundibugyo strain, for which there is neither an approved vaccine nor an effective treatment, increasing concerns among global health organizations.
So far, 56 people have recovered, while the fatality rate has reached approximately 23 percent.
The highest number of cases has been reported in Ituri Province, which accounts for more than 90 percent of the total cases. The virus has now spread to the regions of North Kivu and South Kivu, and alarmingly, it has also begun crossing the border into Uganda.
According to the United Nations, ongoing conflicts in the region have displaced nearly one million people, making it extremely difficult for aid teams to reach affected areas and trace patients.
Experts are warning that unless immediate and strict measures are taken, the outbreak could develop into a major humanitarian crisis for the entire region.
