DR Congo Ebola Outbreak Spreads to Sixth Province, Death Toll Tops 2,100

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has spread to a sixth province, with the death toll now exceeding 2,100 people.

The virus has killed a victim every 30 minutes, according to a UN humanitarian official. Confirmed cases have climbed to over 4,600. The World Health Organization has stated the outbreak is on track to become the deadliest in history, moving faster than any previous outbreak and potentially surpassing the 2014-2016 West African epidemic which killed over 11,000 people.

The current outbreak is driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain, for which there is no approved vaccine or treatment, and it kills between a quarter and half of those infected. The conflict in eastern Congo complicates efforts to assist the sick, with dozens of armed groups operating in the region. Health workers are struggling to keep up with contact tracing as the virus outpaces their efforts.

Some areas are beyond the reach of aid workers and doctors. The outbreak was officially declared on May 15, though it began in February. The WHO expects the current outbreak to peak in six months. Facilities are being prepared in the capital, Kinshasa, which has a population of 19 million, in case of a public health alert there.

Maternal deaths have doubled in the outbreak's epicenter as pregnant women avoid hospitals. Two doctors have withdrawn from World Health Organization positions over ethical concerns regarding an Ebola drug trial that may involve placebos for healthcare workers.