Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC spreads rapidly, risk to South Sudan low, Sweden monitoring

The Ebola epidemic in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has become the fastest‑growing outbreak in decades, reaching five provinces with 1,830 confirmed cases and 648 deaths as of 11 July. Researchers, including Peter Piot, warn the true toll is likely higher. No licensed vaccine or treatment exists, and armed conflict hampers contact tracing in remote areas where almost 900,000 people live in displacement camps.

International donors pledged over $1.2 billion, but only about $115 million has been disbursed. Health facilities are strained; 25 health workers have died and several clinics have closed. Experimental medicines are now being used on patients in the DRC.

Experts assess a roughly 70 % chance the virus could spread to neighboring South Sudan within three months, while Rwanda and Burundi appear less affected. About 200 Swedish citizens are currently in the affected region, and Swedish authorities deem the risk of transmission to Sweden as very low, having placed Ebola information at major airports.

The European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) has urged vigilance across the EU, and the EU Commission is monitoring the situation.