Attempts to curb Ebola cases in DR Congo fail with more than 5,000 confirmed

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in ​the Democratic Republic of Congo now exceeds 5,000, government data showed late on Tuesday, as health ​officials ‌warn that response efforts are ⁠failing to contain the deadly disease.

Congo's 17^th Ebola epidemic ‌turned into the biggest in the country's history ⁠in terms of number of cases in late July and over the weekend ​the death toll hit 2,378, ‌the public health institute said, surpassing the previous worst outbreak in 2018-2020.

Read more Ebola outbreak in DR Congo now deadliest ever

The institute has so far ‌logged 5,021 cases, according to its latest situation report, making ​it the second-worst outbreak globally, behind only the 2014 to 2016 epidemic in West Africa in both ​infections and deaths.

The ongoing outbreak is ​caused by the Bundibugyo species ​of Ebola, which has no approved vaccines or treatments.

It has ​gained momentum since it was declared on May 15, as weak health infrastructure, community resistance, instability and protests by response workers hinder efforts ⁠to identify and respond to cases.

(FRANCE 24 with Reuters)