Ebola outbreak in Congo surpasses 3,000 deaths as it continues to spread

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 3,000 deaths, becoming the deadliest Ebola epidemic ever recorded in the country, according to Congolese government figures cited by Reuters.

Authorities have reported 6,186 confirmed cases. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, was officially declared on May 15 in Ituri province, although some health officials believe it may have begun as early as January.

Since then, the outbreak has spread to six provinces in northeastern Congo, raising concerns among health authorities and international experts.

Experts warn that weaknesses in disease surveillance systems, insecurity and resistance in some communities are making it more difficult to detect cases and provide patients with timely treatment.

Globally, the current crisis is surpassed only by the major Ebola epidemic in West Africa between 2014 and 2016, which recorded more than 28,600 infections and over 11,000 deaths in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.