Ebola outbreak in DRC worsens as Ituri province remains the epicenter

The Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus disease continues its spread across the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The latest epidemiological data reveals a total of 550 confirmed cases across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, resulting in 101 fatalities.

Figures updated on June 6th show a concerning acceleration, with 27 new cases confirmed within a single 24-hour period, signaling ongoing transmission in various affected areas. Currently, 283 patients are receiving care in hospitals or isolation facilities.

Health authorities report a case fatality rate of 17.7% among confirmed cases, noting that some statistical data is still undergoing harmonization for complete accuracy.

Ituri remains the outbreak’s epicenter

A geographical breakdown of the epidemic confirms Ituri province as the primary hub of the health crisis. Of the 25 health zones impacted by the outbreak, 17 are located within Ituri, representing nearly half of the province’s 36 total health zones.

The affected zones in the province include Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Bunia, Damas, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Logo, Mambasa, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, Rimba, and Rwampara.

This wide geographic spread underscores the persistent circulation of the virus across multiple territories in Ituri, despite intensive surveillance and awareness campaigns by response teams.

Active hotspots in North and South Kivu

Beyond Ituri, several health zones in North Kivu and South Kivu are also reporting cases. The Katwa health zone is a significant active hotspot with 11 confirmed cases and 8 deaths. Other affected areas include Beni (5 cases, 3 deaths), Butembo (4 cases, 2 deaths), Miti-Murhesa (3 cases, 1 death), Oïcha (2 cases, 2 deaths), Kalunguta (1 case, 1 death), Kyondo (1 case, no deaths), and Goma (1 case, no deaths).

Amid the challenging spread of the virus, health teams are also reporting some positive developments. Three confirmed patients have recently recovered from the disease. Two were discharged from treatment centers in Bunia, and a third returned home from a facility in the Katwa health zone.

Response efforts are ongoing across all affected zones, with a particular focus on preventing infections within healthcare facilities, diligently tracing contacts of infected individuals, and raising community awareness.

Health officials maintain that strengthening public trust, ensuring the early detection of new cases, and promoting adherence to prevention protocols are the essential strategies needed to break the chains of viral transmission in the coming weeks.