The Newshound

More than 5,000 people have died in DR Congo's Ebola outbreak, now the second deadliest in history

An Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, which began in May, has killed more than 5,000 people — nearly half of all those infected — with armed conflict in the east severely hampering containment efforts.
An Ebola outbreak in DR Congo, which began in May, has killed more than 5,000 people — nearly half of all those infected — with armed conflict in the east severely hampering containment efforts.

The Bundibugyo strain, for which no licensed vaccine or approved treatment exists, has killed 5,026 of the 10,351 people infected since the outbreak began in May — a fatality rate of nearly 50%. Eight of DR Congo's 26 provinces are affected, with Ituri and North Kivu accounting for the vast majority of cases and deaths. Kenya, Nigeria and Uganda have all recorded confirmed cases, as has France, where a linked case has been reported.

The UN warns the outbreak is 'taking lives at a much faster rate' than any previous DR Congo Ebola crisis.

Conflict in eastern Congo is hampering containment, with response teams facing attacks from communities opposed to control measures.

WHO's Dr Patrick Otim said: 'It is families and communities that have been devastated — the number shows the severity of this outbreak.'

MoreBBC NewsMore than 5,000 die from Ebola in DR Congo's deadliest outbreakBBCWat next for DR Congo as Ebola deaths hit ova 5000 wit 10,351 cases for second deadliest outbreak - BBCReutersNigeria reports two suspected Ebola cases in northeast region
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