WHO Reports Congo Ebola Outbreak Began Months Before Declaration

The World Health Organization confirmed on Monday that the current Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo began in February, months before its official declaration on May 15.

The outbreak has resulted in 4,200 confirmed cases and over 1,900 deaths, with health authorities reporting that 60% to 70% of new cases are occurring outside of monitored contacts.

This strain involves the rare Bundibugyo virus, which lacks approved vaccines or treatments, and is spreading faster than the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak that caused over 11,000 deaths.