Congo Ebola deaths pass 5,000 as cases spread to Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has now killed more than 5,000 people, according to government data released on Friday. Authorities have yet to find a way to bring the country's deadliest Ebola epidemic on record under control, and cases have also been reported elsewhere in Africa.

Key facts

• More than 5,000 deaths recorded, government data showed on Friday.
• More than 10,000 people infected since the outbreak was declared in May.
• Eight of Congo's 26 provinces have been affected.
• The outbreak is caused by the rare Bundibugyo Ebola species, for which there are no approved treatments or vaccines.
• Nigeria has reported a case, and Kenya and Uganda have also reported cases.

How big is the outbreak?

The epidemic has infected more than 10,000 people since it was declared in May and has become the world's second-largest Ebola outbreak on record. Only the 2014–2016 epidemic was larger, infecting more than 28,600 people and killing over 11,000 across Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone.

Why is it spreading so fast?

Delayed detection, conflict and strained health services have helped the virus spread faster than in previous outbreaks, the data showed. Eight of the country's 26 provinces have been affected, and many deaths have occurred outside treatment centres.

What is different about this Ebola species?

The outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo species of the virus. No approved treatments or vaccines can combat it, leaving authorities without the tools used in earlier outbreaks of the disease.

Which other countries have reported cases?

Nigeria became the fourth African country to report an Ebola case last week, extending the outbreak's geographic spread to West Africa. East African countries Kenya and Uganda have also reported cases.

What this means for travellers

Travellers should note that the outbreak is concentrated in the Democratic Republic of Congo, where eight of 26 provinces have been affected, but that cases have now been reported in Nigeria, Kenya and Uganda as well. The data shows no approved treatment or vaccine is available for the Bundibugyo species behind this outbreak, and many deaths have occurred outside treatment centres.

No dates for further measures or a change in the outbreak's status have been announced. The death and infection figures reflect government data released on Friday.