DR Congo's Ebola outbreak could become deadliest on record, WHO warns

More than 2,000 people have died from Ebola in eastern DR Congo out of over 4,300 cases, making it the fastest spreading outbreak on record, and WHO warns it could surpass the 2014 to 2016 West African outbreak as the deadliest ever recorded. The outbreak, declared on May 15, was later found to have been circulating since February. The strain is Bundibugyo, which lacks an approved vaccine or treatment, and health teams face access issues due to conflict near borders with South Sudan, Uganda, and Rwanda. Clinics are underfunded, misinformation is widespread, and health workers have struck over unpaid wages. WHO projects the outbreak could peak in six months under a moderate scenario, or take up to 12 months if conditions worsen.