The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has recorded Ebola cases in five provinces, bringing the total confirmed cases nationwide to 1,873, with 672 deaths. The affected provinces include Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Tshopo, as per a recent report by the country’s health authorities.
Two new provinces, Haut-Uele and Tshopo, were added to the national situation report for the first time. Investigations show that cases in these provinces are linked to the outbreak epicentre in Ituri through contacts and population movements. Currently, 763 patients are in isolation or receiving hospital treatment, with an overall bed occupancy rate of 95.1 percent.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo ebolavirus, was declared on May 15. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) highlighted the urgency of protecting health responders after a US humanitarian worker supporting the response was confirmed to be infected. The response team is conducting investigations and contact tracing to contain transmission and safeguard affected communities.
At least 112 healthcare workers in the DRC have been infected with the Bundibugyo Ebola virus, with 35 fatalities reported. The Africa CDC emphasized the critical role of health workers, humanitarian personnel, and volunteers in managing the outbreak and ensuring the safety of communities.
