Congo's Ebola Outbreak Tops 11,000 Cases, Becoming Country's Deadliest

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak has crossed 11,000 confirmed cases, according to the latest figures from the country's health ministry, marking the deadliest outbreak of the disease in the nation's history. A total of 11,042 people have been infected, and 5,387 have died, meaning the virus has claimed nearly half of those it has reached.

The outbreak was officially declared in mid-May, and Congolese authorities have since faced significant obstacles in containing its spread. Armed conflict, a strained health system, poor road infrastructure and community resistance driven by mistrust and misinformation have all complicated the response, according to officials.

The Bundibugyo virus behind this outbreak has no known vaccine or treatment, and it has now spread to eight of the country's 26 provinces. Health authorities have expressed concern over renewed violence in the two main hotspots, Ituri and North Kivu provinces, and are calling for a halt to fighting so that health workers can reach patients without obstruction.

Ituri accounts for nearly 70 percent of total cases, while North Kivu has become the main site of new transmission, according to Health Minister Roger Kamba. Health facilities and medical personnel have also been targeted by community members skeptical of the virus, and several attacks on health workers have been reported.

The outbreak has disrupted schools in Ituri, where teachers have been among those infected. Two head teachers in Bunia, the provincial capital, told the Associated Press they are concerned for their staff and students after losing colleagues. "Our students and the entire staff have been left traumatized. At this stage, we need psychologists to support us, as the situation is extremely difficult," said head teacher Isaac Singoma.