Since the Democratic Republic of Congo declared the epidemic on May 15, infections have continued to rise, particularly in the country’s conflict-affected east. Health officials say the current outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a variant for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. The current crisis is smaller than the country’s deadliest Ebola outbreak between 2018 and 2020, when nearly 2,300 people died from about 3,500 confirmed infections. However, public health experts say the rapid pace of the latest outbreak has heightened concern and increased pressure for an expanded international response. With infections continuing to climb, health officials say stronger international backing will be essential if the Democratic Republic of Congo is to bring the outbreak under control before it spreads further.