The Democratic Republic of Congo is in the midst of an Ebola outbreak, with case and death counts varying slightly by report. France 24 (English) states that at least 5,514 cases and 2,462 deaths have been recorded, and separately reports that the Congolese government says there have been more than 2,700 deaths and more than 5,600 cases, with transmission remaining active. Al Jazeera English reports that as of Tuesday the DRC had recorded 5,713 confirmed cases, including 2,744 deaths, according to government figures. The Washington Times likewise reports that as of Tuesday the country had recorded 5,713 confirmed cases, including 2,744 deaths, according to government figures, adding that the overall death rate among confirmed cases was about 48%.
Al Jazeera English reports that the World Health Organization has said the outbreak remains out of control and is on track to surpass the 2014-2016 West Africa Ebola outbreak, the deadliest on record, which killed more than 11,000 people, primarily in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.
The Washington Times reports that the current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo type of Ebola virus. Ervebo, however, is approved to protect against a different type, known as Zaire ebolavirus, and there is currently no approved vaccine specifically for Bundibugyo Ebola, according to The Washington Times.
Authorities have begun a vaccination campaign amid the outbreak. France 24 (English) reports on stepped up river patrols and growing fears in Kinshasa as the outbreak continues.
