DRC Ebola outbreak becomes country's deadliest on record as cases top 5,000

The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the deadliest in the nation's history, with public health data confirming over 5,000 total cases and more than 2,300 fatalities. The United Nations reported that the outbreak is expanding rapidly, recording roughly one death every 30 minutes.

Driven by the rare Bundibugyo virus strain, for which no licensed vaccine or specific treatment exists, the epidemic now covers an area larger than France. Aid organizations face severe resource shortages. UN Coordinator Julien Harneis warned that healthcare workers are running out of critical medicines and equipment, creating a heightened risk of cross-border transmission to neighbouring nations if emergency containment interventions are not reinforced.

Sources: Aftenposten, Berlingske, DR, NRK, VG (Verdens Gang).