Congo's Ebola outbreak may become deadliest ever, WHO warns
The World Health Organization warned Wednesday that Congo's Ebola outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, potentially surpassing the 2014-2016 West African epidemic that killed over 11,000 people. The current outbreak in eastern Congo has claimed more than 2,000 lives among over 4,300 documented cases, with the rare Bundibugyo virus having no approved vaccines or treatments. Over two-thirds of deaths are occurring in communities rather than treatment centers. The outbreak, officially declared May 15 but active since February, is outpacing response efforts in a conflict-ridden region near several borders. Aid cuts, including the dismantling of USAID in July 2025, have hampered health programs and disease monitoring.