Ebola outbreak in DRC is deadliest in country's history and fastest growing on record
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in the country's history, with more than 2,500 deaths and cases spreading rapidly.
The Full Story
A plain summary built from the channels that reported this story.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in the country's history, with more than 2,500 deaths recorded since it was declared in May. The United Nations says the virus is growing exponentially, with half of those deaths occurring in the last 20 days. The outbreak, which covers an area larger than France, is also the fastest growing on record, according to health officials.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no proven vaccine. The Congolese government is rolling out the AirVivo vaccine, used in previous outbreaks, in the hope it may offer some protection. However, only 30 to 40% of cases have been detected so far, according to Africa's top public health agency.
The response is being hampered by funding shortfalls, community mistrust, and attacks on health facilities. At least 12 health facilities have been attacked since the outbreak began, according to the UN. Children are particularly vulnerable, with at least 180 having lost both parents or caregivers, according to Save the Children. There are also concerns about the virus spreading to neighbouring countries due to porous borders and conflict.
Despite these challenges, the World Health Organization says progress is being made. The WHO's executive director for health emergencies, Chikwe Ihekweazu, said the response has been scaled up, with more bed capacity and community engagement. He reported 5,500 cases, 2,500 deaths, and 1,200 recoveries so far. Trials are underway for treatments and vaccines specific to this strain.
The outbreak is centred in eastern DRC, a region devastated by decades of conflict and currently an active war zone after the M23 rebel group took control last year. The health system is extremely fragile, and misinformation is widespread. However, local communities and aid groups are working to counter rumours and stop the spread.
On screen
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Key Claims
Claims reported during this story's coverage, mapped by channel. Ordered by how many channels carried each claim.
| Claim | BBC News | BBC One | Channel 4 | Sky News |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| More than 2,500 people have died, with half of those deaths occurring in the last 20 days. | · | |||
| Some farmers were burning fleeces a couple of years ago due to low prices, but now there is more hope. | · | · | ||
| Wool prices have risen by more than 70% in the last year. | · | · | ||
| 1,200 recoveries have been reported so far. | · | · | · | |
| 12 health facilities have been attacked since the outbreak began. | · | · | · | |
| A WHO official said progress is being made. | · | · | · | |
| At least 180 children have lost both parents or caregivers since the outbreak began. | · | · | · | |
| Children who have lost parents are at risk of recruitment by armed groups. | · | · | · | |
| Half of the deaths occurred in the last 20 days. | · | · | · | |
| No vaccine exists for this specific strain of Ebola. | · | · | · | |
| Only 30 to 40% of cases have been detected so far. | · | · | · | |
| The mortality rate is 47.6%. | · | · | · |
Channel Perspectives
What each channel focused on, with key quotes.
BBC News focused on the UN's warning of exponential growth, the humanitarian impact on children, and the operational challenges of funding and community mistrust. It highlighted the risk to neighbouring countries and the difficulties faced by health workers in a region with weak state control.
- “The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is now the deadliest in the country's history.”
- “More than 2,500 people have died since it was declared in May, half of those deaths in just the last 20 days.”
- “The charity Save the Children says at least 180 have lost both parents or caregivers since the outbreak began.”
Channel 4 emphasised the speed and scale of the outbreak, the specific Bundibugyo strain, the lack of a proven vaccine, and the context of conflict in eastern DRC. It included a personal account from a doctor who survived Ebola and highlighted the high mortality rate and detection gaps.
- “It's already the fastest growing outbreak on record.”
- “There are now well over 5,000 confirmed cases and more than 2,500 deaths, with a mortality rate of 47.6%.”
- “There is no vaccine for this variant of Ebola, but the AirVivo vaccine was used in previous outbreaks.”
Sky News focused on the WHO's perspective, presenting an interview with a senior WHO official who said progress is being made despite the challenges. It provided updated case numbers, recoveries, and details on the strain, while stressing the need for continued resources and solidarity.
- “The World Health Organization reporting more than 2,500 people have died.”
- “I'm fairly confident that we are making progress.”
- “This is just the third outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain that we're having.”
Broadcast Timeline
News broadcasts tracked for this story, in time order.