DR Congo Ebola outbreak deadliest in country's history with 2,325 deaths
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The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo is the country's deadliest on record, with 2,325 deaths as of Aug 16 and 4,945 confirmed cases. The toll surpasses the 2018-2020 epidemic's 2,299 deaths and is second only to the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak, which killed 11,310. Rescue operations continued in Colombia and Indonesia after earthquakes that killed 289 people in Colombia.
Key Facts
- The Ebola outbreak in DR Congo has caused 2,325 deaths out of 4,945 confirmed cases as of Aug 16.
- The current outbreak has surpassed the 2018-2020 Ebola epidemic in DR Congo, which killed 2,299 people.
- The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no approved vaccine or specific treatment exists.
- The case fatality rate among confirmed Ebola patients in DR Congo rose from about 20% in early June to 46%.
- A magnitude 7.4 earthquake near San José del Palmar, Colombia, killed 289 people, left 143 missing, and injured 4,187 as of Aug 16.
Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo
The national public health institute in DR Congo reported 2,325 deaths from 4,945 confirmed Ebola cases as of Aug 16. The latest daily data added 101 new infections. The current outbreak has surpassed the 2018-2020 epidemic, which killed 2,299 people, and now ranks second only to the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak that caused 11,310 deaths. The Bundibugyo strain causing the outbreak has no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The case fatality rate among confirmed patients rose from about 20% in early June to 46%, which experts attribute to late detection and limited access to medical care, with armed conflicts, attacks on health workers, population movements, and community distrust also hindering the response.
Colombia Earthquake
A magnitude 7.4 earthquake struck near San José del Palmar on the morning of Aug 10. As of Aug 16, Colombian authorities reported 289 confirmed deaths, 143 missing, and 4,187 injured. The disaster affected about 186,000 people across 450 municipalities. Rescue teams continued clearing debris in Cali, Pereira, and other cities almost a week after the quake. Aftershocks and the risk of building collapses hindered search operations.
Indonesia Earthquake
A magnitude 7.7 earthquake struck Indonesia's Flores island at 05:58 local time on Aug 15. The epicentre was at a shallow depth of 10-15 km, intensifying the destructive impact. Rescue teams continued searching in the aftermath.
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DR Congo Ebola outbreak deadliest in country's history with 2,325 deaths
