Congo's Ebola outbreak may become deadliest ever, WHO warns
The World Health Organization warns the current Ebola outbreak in Congo is on track to become the deadliest in history, surpassing the 2014-2016 West African epidemic that killed over 11,000 people. WHO chief Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus made the statement on Wednesday. The outbreak in eastern Congo has killed over 2,000 people from more than 4,300 cases. It was declared on May 15 but began months earlier in February. The rare Bundibugyo virus responsible has no approved vaccines or treatments, though clinical trials for two vaccines and treatments are underway. The outbreak is spreading faster than containment efforts, particularly in conflict-affected areas near South Sudan, Uganda, and Rwanda. Misinformation is keeping some people from clinics. WHO expects the peak in six months, with a worst-case scenario lasting up to 12 months.