Ebola outbreak in Congo kills over 2,000

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has killed over 2,000 people, with 4,449 confirmed cases reported by the World Health Organization (WHO). The WHO expressed hope Wednesday that the rising trend could be reversed within three months. The current outbreak, which began in Ituri province, is spreading faster than all previous ones, according to the WHO. Insecurity from armed groups and public distrust complicate the response. WHO officials said reversing the trend does not mean ending the epidemic, and monitoring must continue to prevent resurgence. A 180-day operational plan running from August 1 to January 27, 2027, was established to control transmission and save lives. The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15, with the WHO issuing a public health emergency of international concern two days later.