A major Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is currently the second-worst in history, with at least 4,900 estimated cases and more than 2,300 deaths. This gives the outbreak a mortality rate close to 50% and features the fastest community transmission ever observed, according to global health experts.
The outbreak is proving difficult to contain due to a combination of factors. It involves a new species of the virus, Bundibugyo, against which there is currently no effective vaccine or antiviral. Viral mutation has also been suggested as a factor contributing to the rapid spread.
The location of the outbreak in Ituri province is unstable, marked by ongoing conflict and roaming militias. Additionally, the virus may have spread for three months before being confirmed as Ebola, having been misdiagnosed as malaria or typhoid.
International response efforts are also facing challenges. The US is no longer part of the World Health Organization (WHO) or working multilaterally, favouring a "go-it-alone" approach. Britain has also reduced foreign aid, with its current prime minister, Andy Burnham, focusing on domestic issues.
Despite the dire situation, there is ongoing work on vaccines and antivirals. Oxford University has started human trials for a Bundibugyo vaccine, using technology similar to the Oxford-AstraZeneca Covid vaccine. The WHO is also sponsoring a clinical trial in the DRC for two existing antiviral therapies.