- Santé
The Ebola virus disease (Bundibugyo strain) epidemic continues its relentless advance across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. As of Sunday, June 7, a total of 515 confirmed cases have been recorded since the outbreak began in the provinces of Ituri, Nord-Kivu, and Sud-Kivu.
This alarming situation has tragically led to 91 fatalities among the confirmed cases, indicating an overall case fatality rate of 17.7%.
Health authorities report that 283 patients are currently receiving care, either in isolation or hospitalized, while 12 individuals have successfully recovered from the illness since the outbreak’s onset.
A further 27 new confirmed cases were identified within the last twenty-four hours, highlighting the ongoing transmission.
Twenty-five health zones impacted
Official statistics reveal that the epidemic has now spread to 25 of the nation’s 104 health zones.
The province of Ituri remains the hardest hit, with 17 of its 36 health zones experiencing active transmission. These include Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Bunia, Damas, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Logo, Mambasa, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, Rimba, and Rwampara.
Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu provinces are also grappling with multiple active hotspots, underscoring the epidemic’s geographic expansion beyond its initial focal point.
Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu also report fatalities
In neighboring provinces, the Katwa health zone is identified as a significant active cluster, recording 11 confirmed cases and 8 deaths.
Other affected areas include:
- Beni: 5 confirmed cases and 3 deaths;
- Butembo: 4 confirmed cases and 2 deaths;
- Miti-Murhesa: 3 confirmed cases and 1 death;
- Oicha: 2 confirmed cases and 2 deaths;
- Kalunguta: 1 confirmed case and 1 death;
- Kyondo: 1 confirmed case with no reported deaths;
- Goma: 1 confirmed case with no reported deaths.
Response efforts face significant hurdles
These figures emerge amidst a challenging environment for response teams. Persistent insecurity in parts of Ituri, logistical complexities in reaching affected communities, and the critical need to bolster public awareness to combat misinformation and rumors are all significant obstacles.
Health authorities are reiterating their urgent appeal to the population to promptly report any suspected cases and to strictly adhere to preventative measures to curb the virus’s spread.
