Congo's Ebola Outbreak Surpasses 2,900 Cases

At least 2,973 people have been infected with Ebola in Congo's ongoing outbreak, which has now claimed 1,309 lives, according to government data. The death toll includes 37 new deaths recorded in a single 24-hour span, one of the highest daily totals reported since the outbreak began on May 15 in eastern Congo.

The outbreak is the fastest-growing Ebola epidemic on record, with health workers facing significant challenges in containing its spread. The Bundibugyo virus responsible for this outbreak is less common than others that cause Ebola disease, and there is no approved vaccine or treatment available.

Healthcare professionals at the Elikya Ebola Treatment Center in Bunia, Ituri province, went on strike Saturday demanding unpaid performance bonuses. The walkout disrupted care for patients in a region accounting for nearly 90% of all cases. About 100 health workers protested outside the treatment center, calling for Congolese authorities to resolve back pay issues.

"We need to be paid, because in the meantime the disease is spreading at the treatment center," said Martin Bolombi, one of the striking health workers. "I’ve already had five people die who are still inside there. A solution must be found for us."

The strike came a day after Congolese Prime Minister Judith Suminwa visited major treatment hubs in Ituri to assess outbreak response efforts. During her visit, healthcare personnel protested payment issues, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by frontline workers.

Dr. Adelard Lufungula, operations manager for the Ebola response, stated that payment issues are "being resolved," with workers now paid via mobile money instead of cash. The backlog is expected to be cleared in the coming days.

The surge in deaths and infections comes as safety fears have restricted response efforts in Ituri province. At least 12 attacks—mostly fueled by skepticism and rumors—have been recorded against health facilities and teams since the outbreak was declared in mid-May. Community resistance and violence have significantly hindered containment measures.

The World Health Organization last week expressed concerns that 80% of new Ebola cases were emerging from unknown chains of transmission. The organization estimates that the true scale of the current outbreak could be two to four times larger than official figures indicate.

A key challenge in containing the outbreak is that patient zero has yet to be identified, making it difficult to trace thousands who have come into contact with infected individuals. Displacement from armed conflict and illegal mining in the region further complicates response efforts.