Overview
- Government and WHO figures on Aug. 24 show the epidemic has surpassed roughly 5,500 confirmed cases and about 2,600 deaths, with daily incidence and weekly fatalities rising sharply.
- The outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo ebolavirus for which no licensed vaccine or proven treatment exists, prompting emergency trials and the limited, investigational use of the Ervebo vaccine.
- Response capacity has expanded rapidly—laboratory testing grew from one site to 19 and treatment beds rose from fewer than 10 to over 1,300—but detection, referral and care remain too slow to keep up with transmission.
- Violence, community mistrust and operational problems are crippling efforts: responders report more than 260 attacks on health staff and volunteers, ambulances have been burned or stoned, and unpaid workers have staged stoppages.
- WHO and UN officials say the outbreak is growing exponentially and warn that immediate major increases in funds, staff, protective equipment and secure access are needed to prevent further spread and regional spillover.