Next Africa Why The Deadly Ebola Outbreak Is Accelerating
Aug 14, 2026
Jason Gale, Bloomberg global health editor covering outbreaks with on-the-ground reporting. He breaks down why Congo’s Ebola surge is so severe. He describes overlapping symptoms, failing contact tracing, struggles with isolation and safe burials. He discusses vaccine and therapeutic trials and the regional risks to watch next.
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DRC Faces Its Worst Ever Ebola Outbreak
- The current Ebola outbreak in the DRC is the country's worst ever with rapidly rising confirmed deaths.
- Bloomberg reports 1,800+ confirmed deaths and WHO warns contact tracing can't keep up, driving faster spread.
Fatality Rate Jump Shows Many Cases Are Hidden
- The crude case fatality ratio has risen from the low 30s to just over 46 percent.
- Jason Gale says this jump likely reflects missing mild cases, so mostly very sick people are reaching care and dying.
Walking Ebola Hypothesis Explains Faster Spread
- Experts propose a 'walking Ebola' effect where Bundibugyo replicates slower, delaying severe symptoms and extending infectious periods.
- Slower progression lets infected people stay active in communities longer, increasing transmission.