Ebola Cases Rise in DR Congo, 1,405 Lives Lost

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 3,200 confirmed Ebola cases, with 1,405 deaths, as the outbreak spreads across six provinces. This information comes from the country’s latest situation report.

As of Saturday, the report showed that 571 patients have recovered. Meanwhile, 773 others are still in isolation and receiving medical care.

In the past 24 hours alone, health officials recorded 125 new infections and 51 deaths. This highlights the ongoing spread of the virus.

Ituri Remains Hardest Hit

The outbreak, declared on May 15, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. There is no approved vaccine or specific treatment for this strain, but some candidate vaccines are being tested.

Ituri Province continues to be the hardest hit, responsible for 89 percent of all confirmed cases in the country. Health officials believe the virus keeps spreading due to population movements, insecurity, artisanal mining, and travel across borders with Uganda and South Sudan.

They pointed out that the outbreak is in a phase of steady transmission, with the virus circulating widely in affected communities. The report also mentioned the increasing strain on treatment facilities, especially in North Kivu Province. Currently, 171 patients are using centres that were meant for only 141 beds.

Across the country, Ebola treatment centres are now 82.1 percent full, showing the pressure on the health system. Authorities said they will step up surveillance and response efforts to help stop the spread of the disease.