Ebola death toll in DR Congo crosses 2,000 as outbreak accelerates

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has now claimed more than 2,000 lives, according to UN officials citing national health authorities. The death toll has doubled in just 20 days, with an average of about 50 deaths recorded daily.

Government data shows 4,381 confirmed cases, including 2,011 deaths. The outbreak was officially declared on May 15, though health authorities say genetic sequencing indicates it actually began months earlier, in February.

The current crisis is the second-largest Ebola outbreak in history, behind the 2014-2016 West Africa epidemic which saw over 28,000 cases and more than 11,000 deaths. The case fatality rate stands at 45.9%, higher than the 39.6% recorded during that earlier outbreak.

The World Health Organization reports that 60-70% of Ebola-related deaths occur in communities, with many patients reaching health facilities too late or unable to access care in time. The outbreak has spread across five eastern provinces near South Sudan, Uganda, and Rwanda.

UN humanitarian officials say their work is hindered by insecurity in the region. In a recent attack on August 7 in the village of Banana École in Ituri province, at least 13 civilians were killed, several others were abducted, and homes were burned. More than 28,000 people fled toward Mambasa-center, where 36,000 people were already sheltering since April.

OCHA and partner organizations continue to support authorities and assess needs in affected areas. The UN has reiterated its call on all parties to the conflict to protect civilians and facilitate safe, sustained humanitarian access to communities impacted by both violence and the outbreak.