Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) have exceeded 10,000, making the current outbreak the fastest-growing and deadliest in the country’s history.
Government figures released on Tuesday show 10,060 confirmed infections and 4,887 deaths.
Nearly half of those diagnosed with the virus have died, highlighting the severity of the health emergency.
The outbreak has also spread beyond DR Congo, prompting neighbouring countries to strengthen health screening and monitoring.
DR Congo Ebola outbreak reaches record levels
The latest figures mark a major escalation in the outbreak, which was declared on May 15.
According to data from DR Congo’s Ministry of Public Health, infections have been reported in 66 health zones across eight provinces.
The outbreak initially affected just three health zones.
It is now the second-largest Ebola outbreak recorded worldwide.
Only the 2014–2016 West African epidemic was larger. That outbreak infected approximately 28,600 people and killed more than 11,000.
Health authorities are particularly concerned about infections occurring outside known transmission chains.
Around 80% of new cases are being detected among people who were not previously identified as contacts of infected patients.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) says at least 95% of cases should be linked to known contacts for an outbreak to be considered under control.
Health workers struggle to contain Ebola
Healthcare teams in DR Congo face growing pressure as infections continue to rise.
According to reporting by Al Jazeera, AP and Reuters, some treatment centres are overwhelmed.
Remote communities also face shortages of medical supplies, trained staff and transport.
These challenges make it difficult to identify infections early and provide timely treatment.
Health authorities have also struggled to ensure safe burials and encourage families to seek medical care.
At least half of those who died were never admitted to treatment facilities.
Meanwhile, the outbreak has disrupted other essential health services.
Routine childhood vaccinations have been affected, while maternal deaths reportedly doubled in some provinces shortly after the outbreak began.
Ebola responders face attacks and unpaid wages
Security concerns have added to the difficulties facing healthcare workers.
On Saturday, attackers killed a nurse and seriously injured another health worker in Bafwasende, Tshopo province.
The two were responding to a suspected Ebola case.
The World Health Organization (WHO) condemned the attack and called for greater protection for medical personnel.
Healthcare workers have also protested over delayed payments.
Last week, Ebola responders in Nia Nia, Ituri province, stopped working over bonuses reportedly owed since August.
Such disruptions can weaken efforts to contain the virus, particularly in communities already facing limited healthcare access.
WHO begins Ebola vaccine trial
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a rare type of Ebola virus.
No vaccine or treatment has yet been approved specifically for this strain.
However, the WHO announced on Friday that the first clinical trial of a vaccine had begun in DR Congo.
The trial represents an important step in efforts to develop protection against the virus.
For now, health authorities continue to rely on early detection, isolation, contact tracing and supportive medical care.
Ebola infections spread beyond DR Congo
The outbreak has also affected several other African countries.
Uganda recently introduced a mandatory 21-day quarantine for citizens returning from DR Congo.
The country recorded 20 cases and two deaths during the summer. Officials say there are currently no active infections.
Nigeria has also strengthened airport screening after confirming an imported Ebola case.
The patient, a woman married to a Swiss diplomat, was diagnosed while visiting Nigeria after travelling to Uganda.
She was evacuated to Switzerland on Monday for treatment.
In Kenya, confirmed infections have reached nine, including two deaths.
The WHO said 20 contacts of Kenya’s first patient completed their quarantine on Monday. Another 98 people remain under monitoring.
These developments have increased concerns about the virus crossing international borders.
Africa faces growing Ebola containment challenge
The latest figures highlight the scale of the public health emergency facing DR Congo.
More than five months after the outbreak began, infections continue to rise despite efforts by national authorities and international health organisations.
Healthcare shortages, insecurity and difficulties tracing contacts remain major obstacles.
The WHO and Africa CDC continue to support surveillance and response efforts.
However, containing the outbreak will require stronger healthcare capacity, safer working conditions and effective coordination between affected countries.
With infections now exceeding 10,000, health authorities face mounting pressure to prevent further deaths and limit the spread of Ebola.