WHO Alert: The Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo is rapidly intensifying, becoming the largest in the country's history.

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is intensifying at an exceptional rate, being the most severe epidemic reported in this country to date.

The statement was made on May 15, and by July 30, 3,605 confirmed cases and 1,587 deaths had been reported, representing a mortality rate of 44%. The epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo variant, for which there is no vaccine or treatment. It has spread from the health zone in Mongbwalu to five provinces, and the WHO recorded a record number of 567 cases and 296 deaths in a single week.

Authorities in the DRC, together with the WHO, are implementing intervention measures, but a substantial increase in response activities is necessary. Security issues and population mobility complicate these efforts. Additionally, a promising vaccine against the Bundibugyo strain is under development, and a first volunteer has already received a dose.