UNIPA NEWS 09 JULY-The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has claimed 600 lives, according to updated figures released by the World Health Organization (WHO) on Thursday, highlighting the continued spread of the disease across the country’s northeastern provinces.
WHO data show that since the outbreak was declared in mid-May, the DRC has recorded 1,759 confirmed Ebola cases, including 600 confirmed deaths. Health authorities estimate the outbreak’s case fatality rate at approximately 34 percent. In addition, 285 patients have recovered, while 304 suspected cases remain under investigation.
The outbreak has affected four provinces but remains concentrated in Ituri province, where the disease was first detected. WHO officials have warned that transmission is ongoing and that the full scale of the outbreak has yet to be determined.
Speaking earlier this week, WHO Representative in the DRC Anne Ancia said the outbreak remains in an “expansion phase” and has not yet stabilized. She noted that population displacement, persistent insecurity, and weaknesses in the country’s healthcare system continue to hinder response efforts.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo species of the Ebola virus, for which no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist. Clinical trials evaluating two potential therapies began in the DRC on July 2. Researchers are testing the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, both individually and in combination, to assess their effectiveness against the virus.
Health authorities have expanded treatment capacity to approximately 700 beds across 22 Ebola treatment centres, with plans to add another 300 beds. However, the facilities are operating at around 90 percent capacity, placing additional strain on the response.
More than 10,000 people identified as contacts of confirmed Ebola patients are currently being monitored. The follow-up rate stands at 82 percent, below the WHO’s target of 95 percent considered necessary to effectively contain transmission.
Laboratory testing capacity has also increased significantly, rising from 30 tests per day in the capital, Kinshasa, to more than 2,000 daily tests through decentralized laboratories in the affected provinces.
The WHO has appealed for $115 million to support the Ebola response but said only 32 percent of the required funding has been secured so far.
The outbreak has also spread beyond the DRC’s borders. In neighboring Uganda, authorities have confirmed 20 Ebola cases, including two deaths, while 17 patients have recovered.
The response has been further complicated by ongoing armed conflict in eastern DRC. One of the affected provinces, South Kivu, has experienced renewed fighting between Congolese government forces and M23 rebels, raising concerns over civilian displacement and the potential for further cross-border spread of the disease.
