The Ebola virus disease outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, continues to spread across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the latest situation report, health authorities have confirmed 515 cases since the start of the epidemic in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
The same report lists 91 deaths among confirmed cases, putting the overall case fatality rate at 17.7 percent.
Health officials also report that 283 patients are currently in isolation or hospitalized, while 12 people have recovered since the outbreak began.
In the past 24 hours, 27 new confirmed cases were recorded.
Twenty-five health zones impacted
According to official data, the epidemic now affects 25 of the country’s 104 health zones.
Ituri remains the hardest-hit province, with 17 of its 36 health zones affected, including Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Bunia, Damas, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Logo, Mambasa, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, Rimba, and Rwampara.
North Kivu and South Kivu also have several active hotspots, showing the geographic spread beyond the initial epicentre.
Deaths also reported in North Kivu and South Kivu
In these neighboring provinces, the Katwa health zone remains the main active cluster with 11 confirmed cases and 8 deaths. It is followed by:
– Beni: 5 cases, 3 deaths;
– Butembo: 4 cases, 2 deaths;
– Miti-Murhesa: 3 cases, 1 death;
– Oicha: 2 cases, 2 deaths;
– Kalunguta: 1 case, 1 death;
– Kyondo: 1 case, no deaths;
– Goma: 1 case, no deaths.
Response facing multiple challenges
These figures come amid numerous challenges for response teams, including ongoing insecurity in parts of Ituri, logistical difficulties in accessing affected communities, and the need to intensify awareness efforts to counter rumors and disinformation.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to quickly report any suspected cases and adhere to prevention measures to curb the spread of the virus.