DRC Ebola outbreak becomes second-largest on record, WHO says

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has become the second-largest on record, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths across five provinces, the World Health Organization reported. WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus said the outbreak is spreading faster than previous ones at the same stage. The outbreak, declared on May 15, may have been circulating since February and was initially misdiagnosed as malaria or typhoid. Many cases are detected in communities rather than treatment centers, suggesting unidentified transmission chains, with spread occurring through late-stage patients or handling of deceased bodies. Caused by the rare Bundibugyo virus species, the outbreak lacks a licensed vaccine, though WHO recommends evaluating the Ervebo vaccine. Authorities aim to trace 95 percent of contacts and triple treatment capacity to 3,000 beds within 12 weeks.