Ebola outbreak in DR Congo claims over 1,400 lives

The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed the lives of 1,405 people, with around 3,200 infections identified since the outbreak began. The situation has worsened significantly in recent days, with approximately 1,000 new confirmed cases reported in the past 10 days alone.

The virus has now spread to five provinces, including two previously unaffected regions. Congolese authorities attribute the rise in figures not only to the virus's spread but also to improved detection systems and expanded testing capabilities. However, specialists warn that the outbreak could persist for several more months.

The complexity of the situation is amplified by the specific strain involved: Bundibugyo. This variant lacks approved vaccines and specific treatments, severely limiting the response capabilities of medical services. The majority of cases, about 90 percent, are concentrated in the Ituri province in the northeast of the country. This region's proximity to Uganda and South Sudan further complicates efforts to control the infection's spread.