Ebola in DR Congo: 515 confirmed cases, 91 deaths as Ituri remains epicentre

The Ebola virus disease outbreak (Bundibugyo strain) continues to spread across eastern DR Congo. The latest situation report from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), released on Sunday, 7 June, confirms 515 cases since the epidemic began in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces.

The same report records 91 deaths among confirmed cases, yielding an overall case fatality rate of 17.7 percent.

Health authorities indicate that 283 patients are currently in isolation or hospitalised, while 12 people have been declared recovered since the outbreak started.

In the past 24 hours, 27 new confirmed cases were registered.

Twenty-five health zones affected

Official data shows the epidemic now affects 25 of the country’s 104 health zones.

Ituri remains the hardest-hit province, with 17 affected health zones out of 36, 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 multiple active foci, illustrating the geographic spread beyond the initial epicentre.

Deaths are also being recorded in North Kivu and South Kivu.

In neighbouring provinces, Katwa health zone remains the main active cluster with 11 confirmed cases and 8 deaths.

It is followed by:

• Beni: 5 confirmed cases and 3 deaths
• Butembo: 4 confirmed cases and 2 deaths
• Miti-Murhesa: 3 confirmed cases and 1 death
• Oicha: 2 confirmed cases and 2 deaths
• Kalunguta: 1 confirmed case and 1 death
• Kyondo: 1 confirmed case and no deaths
• Goma: 1 confirmed case and no deaths

Response teams face multiple challenges

These figures come amid numerous difficulties for response teams, including persistent insecurity in parts of Ituri, logistical hurdles in reaching affected communities, and the need to intensify awareness campaigns to counter rumours and misinformation.

Health authorities continue urging the public to promptly report any suspected cases and adhere to prevention measures to curb the virus’s spread.