The Ebola epidemic raging in eastern DRC and some countries in the region could reach 20,000 cases or more if measures are not taken to slow its spread, according to American experts.
Estimates from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, published Friday, indicate between 10,000 and more than 20,000 cases.
Analysts say the virus is spreading "following a dangerous trajectory".
This scenario is reminiscent of the Ebola virus epidemic that struck West Africa in 2014-2016, with more than 28,000 recorded cases and more than 10,000 deaths. The worst Ebola epidemic in history.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention said on Friday that there had been approximately 400 confirmed cases, including 63 deaths, since the disease began circulating in eastern Congo. Experts believe these figures may be an underestimate.
The World Health Organization and the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention announced on June 5 a $518 million plan to combat the epidemic. It covers the period from June to November 2026. The response focuses on the DRC and neighboring countries.
