The World Health Organization (WHO) announced on Monday that the current Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) actually began back in February, several months before it was officially declared in mid-May. This revelation comes as healthcare workers are battling a surge in cases of the deadly virus. Initially, some early cases were incorrectly attributed to malaria and typhoid, according to WHO Regional Director for Africa, Mohamed Janabi. The outbreak, which has now reached over 4,200 confirmed cases including at least 1,900 deaths, is particularly challenging due to the rare Bundibugyo virus strain that has no approved vaccines or treatments. Health teams are struggling with strikes by unpaid workers, threats from rebel groups, community resistance, misinformation, difficult terrains, and shortages of protective gear. This outbreak is currently the deadliest on record, surpassing the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak in both speed and fatality rate. Access to healthcare has been further complicated by years of conflict in one of DRC's most remote and vulnerable areas. Last week, WHO recommended the start of full-scale human trials for the Ervebo vaccine, the only licensed Ebola vaccine. While Ervebo is effective against the more common Zaire strain, early data suggests it may also offer some protection against the Bundibugyo strain. However, a specific Bundibugyo vaccine remains the preferred option for combating the current outbreak, with three such vaccines in various stages of clinical trials. Previous Ebola outbreaks have also been declared weeks or months late, including the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak which was not officially recognized until March 2014, although the first human case was later discovered to have occurred in December 2013.