Conflict Hinders Congo Ebola Response

At least 100 people have died from Ebola less than a month after an outbreak was declared in eastern Congo, health authorities have reported.

According to the latest figures, 550 confirmed cases have been recorded since the outbreak was announced on May 15, resulting in 101 deaths and 19 recoveries. Most infections have been reported in Ituri province, with additional cases identified in North Kivu, South Kivu and neighboring Uganda.

Health officials say the actual number of infections may be higher because the outbreak was detected weeks after it began. Efforts to contain the virus have also been hampered by ongoing armed conflict, attacks on healthcare workers and distrust among some local communities.

The outbreak is linked to the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. Authorities noted that the recent rise in confirmed cases is partly due to expanded testing and the processing of previously collected samples.

The World Health Organization warned that insecurity in the region is limiting access to affected areas, disrupting surveillance efforts and increasing the risk of undetected transmission. Health workers continue to face significant challenges as they respond to the growing crisis