DR Congo Ebola outbreak could become deadliest ever, WHO warns

The WHO says the current Ebola outbreak in the DR Congo is on track to become the deadliest ever, potentially surpassing the 2014-2016 epidemic that killed at least 11,000 people. The 2026 outbreak has caused over 2,000 deaths. Declared on 15 May, the outbreak has seen at least 4,300 cases. The WHO hopes to reverse its spread within three months but warns this only means controlling transmission, not ending it. The virus likely began spreading in February and was initially misdiagnosed as malaria or typhoid. This outbreak involves the rare Bundibugyo species, with no approved vaccine or treatments. Regional instability means health workers reach only about 30% of cases. The UK has approved first human trials for a Bundibugyo vaccine, developed by Oxford University.