Boureima Amadou
The Ebola virus disease outbreak (Bundibugyo strain) continues to spread in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. As of the latest situation update, 515 confirmed cases have been recorded since the epidemic began in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.
The same update reports 91 deaths among confirmed cases, giving 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 start of the outbreak.
In the past 24 hours, 27 new confirmed cases were recorded.
Twenty-five health zones affected
Official data shows the epidemic now affects 25 health zones out of the 104 in the country.
Ituri remains the worst-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 several active hotspots, showing the geographic expansion of the outbreak beyond its initial epicentre.
North Kivu and South Kivu also report deaths
In the neighbouring provinces, the Katwa health zone remains the main active hotspot 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 faces multiple challenges
These figures come amid numerous difficulties for response teams, including persistent insecurity in parts of Ituri, logistical obstacles in reaching affected communities, and the need to step up awareness campaigns to counter rumours and misinformation.
Health authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspected cases promptly and to follow prevention measures to limit the spread of the virus.
Mariama Hamani
