Ebola outbreak in DR Congo kills over 5,000 amid ongoing spread

Government data shows that over 5,000 people have died from an Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), with more than 10,300 confirmed cases reported since May, BBC World reported.

The outbreak affects eight of the country's 26 provinces, with the epicenter in the conflict-affected Ituri province in the northeast, complicating containment efforts, according to the DR Congo health ministry cited by BBC.

This outbreak is the deadliest in DR Congo's history and the second largest globally, with a current case fatality rate of 48.6%, the United Nations noted through BBC.

The strain responsible is the Bundibugyo species, for which no approved treatments or vaccines currently exist, though clinical trials are underway, the World Health Organization's Africa office said, as reported by BBC.

Al Jazeera English added that delayed detection, conflict, and strained health services have contributed to the virus's rapid spread, reaching multiple provinces and neighboring countries, including Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.

Some governments have responded with travel restrictions and quarantines; for example, Saudi Arabia has suspended travel to and entry from Kenya and other affected countries, Al Jazeera reported.