Ebola outbreak in Democratic Republic of Congo claims 101 lives as cases rise to 550
The Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo continues to escalate, with the latest epidemiological report from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) confirming 550 confirmed cases, including 101 deaths. This brings the overall case fatality rate to 17.7%, according to health authorities monitoring the situation as of June 6.
In the last 24 hours alone, health officials recorded 27 new confirmed cases, while 283 patients remain hospitalized or in isolation across affected zones. The report notes that some data is still being harmonized and updated.
Ituri remains the epicenter of the crisis
The crisis has hit the Ituri province particularly hard, where 17 out of 25 affected health zones are located. This represents nearly half of the province’s 36 health zones, including areas like Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Bunia, Damas, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Logo, Mambasa, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, Rimba and Rwampara.
Despite ongoing surveillance and sensitization efforts by response teams, the virus continues to circulate in multiple territories within the province.
Active outbreaks in North Kivu and South Kivu
Outside Ituri, several health zones in North Kivu and South Kivu continue to report cases. Katwa remains the primary active focus with 11 confirmed cases and 8 deaths, followed by:
- Beni: 5 confirmed cases and 3 deaths
- Butembo: 4 confirmed cases and 2 deaths
- Miti-Murhesa: 3 confirmed cases and 1 death
- Oïcha: 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
Health teams have also reported some progress, with three recently recovered patients discharged from care centers in Bunia and Katwa.
Response efforts focus on prevention and community engagement
The National Institute of Public Health emphasizes that strengthening public trust, early case detection and strict adherence to prevention measures remain critical to interrupting transmission chains in the coming weeks.
Current interventions include infection prevention in health facilities, contact tracing and community sensitization campaigns across all affected zones.
Reporting from Bunia by Freddy Upar
