The ongoing Ebola virus disease epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now claimed over 500 lives, based on the most recent figures released by the Congolese Ministry of Health.
Health officials have documented a total of 1,561 confirmed cases, with 506 fatalities among them. Additionally, 253 individuals have successfully recovered, while 628 confirmed patients are currently receiving care, either in isolation or hospitalized.
This particular outbreak, which began on May 15, has expanded its reach to 36 health zones across the provinces of Ituri, Nord-Kivu, and Sud-Kivu. Community transmission of the virus remains a significant concern in these regions.
Ituri province continues to bear the brunt of the crisis, accounting for over 91% of confirmed cases and nearly 84% of all deaths reported since the onset of the epidemic, according to Congolese authorities.
The World Health Organization (WHO) highlights that the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus is exhibiting rapid evolution and persistent spread. As of July 1, a substantial 10,821 individuals who had contact with confirmed cases were under health surveillance in Ituri and Nord-Kivu, as part of comprehensive efforts to curb the disease’s progression.
