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Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Outpaces Response, MSF Warns

Shortfalls in testing, isolation and contact tracing plus local insecurity are allowing the rare Bundibugyo strain to spread beyond Ituri.

Overview

  • World Health Organization figures show about 782 confirmed cases and 181 deaths in the DRC, with 19 confirmed cases and two deaths reported in Uganda, figures current to June 15.
  • Doctors Without Borders said the outbreak is outpacing the response, reporting overwhelmed treatment centres in Ituri and many patients arriving late after never being identified or monitored as contacts.
  • Testing capacity is a critical gap, with delays in lab results, limited mobile test kits reaching communities, and only one laboratory in North Kivu able to process blood samples.
  • There is no licensed vaccine or strain‑specific treatment for the Bundibugyo species, so responders rely on supportive care while accelerating trials of experimental vaccines and therapies.
  • Insecurity, displaced populations and cross‑border movement are blocking access for health teams and raising the risk of wider spread unless testing, isolation and contact tracing are rapidly expanded.