The Ebola Epidemic in the DRC Continues to Spread
More than 500 people have died from the ongoing Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), according to the latest data from the Congolese Ministry of Health.
As of today, there are 1,561 confirmed cases, including 506 deaths, and 253 people have been declared cured, while 628 patients with confirmed cases are currently receiving treatment in isolation or hospitalization.
The epidemic was declared on May 15th and is now spreading to 36 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, where community transmission of the virus continues.
Ituri remains the most affected province, accounting for over 91% of all confirmed cases and nearly 84% of all deaths since the beginning of the epidemic, according to Congolese authorities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus continues to evolve rapidly and is spreading sustainably. As of July 1st, at least 10,821 people who have been in contact with confirmed cases are being monitored for potential infection in Ituri and North Kivu as part of efforts to contain the outbreak.