Ebola Congo cases surpass 5,000 as record-setting pace of spread continues

Bunia, Congo — The Ebola outbreak in Congo has reached 5,000 cases, government data showed Wednesday, as responders warn it is spreading at an unprecedented speed outpacing efforts to slow it in one of the country's remotest regions.Data from Congo's Ministry of Health showed the outbreak had so far recorded 5,021 cases, including 2,378 deaths as of Sunday, as it rages in some of the most challenging conditions imaginable fueled by insecurity, displacement and intense population movements. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of Ebola, which has no approved vaccines or treatments.The outbreak has infected and killed more people at a greater speed than any other outbreak in history. It is Congo's 17th Ebola epidemic, according to the Reuters news agency. A health worker sprays a colleague with disinfectant after taking part in a burial service on Aug. 18, 2026, for a 3-year-old child who died of Ebola in Bunia, Ituri province, eastern Congo. AP Photo / Dieudonne Dirole Only a week ago, the outbreak had recorded 4,381 confirmed cases, including 2,011 deaths.The new totals come some three months since the outbreak was declared on May 15.Starting from the first detected cas...