Record-Breaking Outbreak

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has become the deadliest in the country’s history.

Yesterday, Africa CDC announced that the outbreak, which was declared three months ago and was already the DRC’s fastest-spreading surge, had surpassed 5,000 cases and killed at least 2,325 people (see outbreak map). It’s also the second-deadliest Ebola outbreak in the world, behind a 2014-2016 outbreak in West Africa that claimed 11,000+ lives.

The current contagion has been caused by the Bundibugyo strain (see our map of the outbreak and what we’ve learned about the virus). Though there’s currently no approved treatment or vaccine for the rare variant, several treatment options are in development.

The World Health Organization says containing the spread is still possible with “the necessary resources.” So far, infection has outpaced response, which has been complicated by a lack of health infrastructure and ongoing armed conflict in the region.

RADIATE HOPE
It’s easy to look at the widespread suffering caused by a disease outbreak and feel anxious or helpless, but our Great Physician is at work in even the most desperate health crises, bringing physical and spiritual healing to His people. Pray for healing in DRC while putting your hope in God’s promises that He is making all things new and that one day, all sickness, suffering, and death will end.

“He will wipe away every tear from their eyes. Death will be no more; grief, crying, and pain will be no more, because the previous things have passed away.”
Revelation 21:4 (CSB) (read full passage)