At least 80 people have died and 246 suspected cases have been reported in a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo's eastern Ituri province. The outbreak was first announced on Friday, with initial figures reporting 65 deaths.
Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba stated that the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain, which is considered highly lethal. There is currently no vaccine available for this specific strain.
Health workers are racing to contain the disease by intensifying screening and contact tracing. Doctors Without Borders is preparing a large-scale response, calling the rapid spread of the outbreak extremely concerning.
In the capital of Ituri, Bunia, locals have recounted their fears and the frequency of constant burials. According to the World Health Organization, Ebola outbreaks over the past half-century have seen mortality rates among those affected between 25% and 90%.