Ebola in drc: 515 confirmed cases, 91 deaths as ituri remains epicentre
The Ebola virus disease outbreak (Bundibugyo strain) continues to intensify in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. Latest official figures show 515 confirmed cases have been recorded since the epidemic began, spanning the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
The death toll among confirmed cases stands at 91, representing an overall case fatality rate of 17.7 percent. Health authorities report that 283 patients are currently in isolation or hospitalised, while 12 individuals have been declared recovered since the outbreak started.
In the past 24 hours alone, 27 new confirmed cases were registered, highlighting the ongoing rapid spread of the virus.
Twenty-five health zones affected
The epidemic now affects 25 health zones out of a total of 104 across the country, according to data from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP).
Ituri province remains the hardest hit, with 17 of its 36 health zones reporting active cases. Affected zones in Ituri include Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Bunia, Damas, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Logo, Mambasa, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, Rimba and Rwampara.
Neighbouring provinces North Kivu and South Kivu also have active outbreaks, showing the geographical expansion beyond the original epicentre.
Fatalities in North Kivu and South Kivu
In North Kivu, the Katwa health zone remains the main active cluster with 11 confirmed cases and 8 deaths. Other zones in the region are also reporting cases and fatalities:
- Beni: 5 confirmed cases, 3 deaths
- Butembo: 4 confirmed cases, 2 deaths
- Miti-Murhesa: 3 confirmed cases, 1 death
- Oicha: 2 confirmed cases, 2 deaths
- Kalunguta: 1 confirmed case, 1 death
- Kyondo: 1 confirmed case, no deaths
- Goma: 1 confirmed case, no deaths
Response facing multiple challenges
These figures come as response teams grapple with significant obstacles. Persistent insecurity in parts of Ituri, logistical difficulties reaching affected communities, and the urgent need to ramp up awareness campaigns to counter rumours and misinformation are all hampering containment efforts.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspected cases immediately and to adhere to preventive measures to curb further transmission of the virus.
