The Ebola epidemic in Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed over 2,000 lives, marking a grim milestone as the outbreak intensifies. Authorities report 2,011 deaths from 4,381 confirmed cases, with the death toll surpassing 1,000 just weeks ago. This surge brings the crisis closer in severity to the devastating 2018-2020 outbreak, which remains the deadliest in the country’s history.

The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on May 15, weeks behind schedule. Health experts warn it could become the largest ever recorded globally, according to Gavi, the Vaccine Alliance.

The current outbreak’s 45.9% fatality rate underscores its severity. Samuel Roger Kamba, DRC’s Health Minister, cautioned that the peak has not yet been reached. However, he expressed cautious optimism, stating that case numbers should begin declining within the next three months if containment efforts hold.