Congo's Ebola outbreak has surpassed 10,000 cases, marking the deadliest and fastest-growing outbreak in history. The disease, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, has claimed over 4,887 lives and spread to multiple African countries. Health workers in the region face violence, unpaid wages, and a race to contain the epidemic.
The outbreak, which began in mid-May, has spread to eight provinces in Congo, with 2,700 children among the infected. A nurse was killed and a health worker injured while responding to an Ebola alert in Tshopo province. The disease is now the second-largest and second-deadliest Ebola outbreak globally.
Authorities warn of a wider African spread as Kenya and Nigeria report cases. Uganda has banned non-essential travel to and from Congo, requiring returning citizens to quarantine for 21 days. The World Health Organization has called for faster action to stop the outbreak and save lives.
The outbreak is causing concern as health workers face threats and misinformation. The lack of a vaccine for the Bundibugyo strain complicates containment efforts. Officials are working to prevent the disease from spreading further across the continent.