The Ebola virus disease outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, continues its concerning spread across the eastern regions of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The latest situation report, released on Sunday, June 7, by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), indicates a total of 515 confirmed cases since the epidemic’s onset in the provinces of Ituri, Nord-Kivu, and Sud-Kivu.

This comprehensive report also details 91 fatalities among confirmed cases, translating to an overall case fatality rate of 17.7%.

Health authorities further disclose that 283 patients are currently either in isolation or undergoing hospitalization. Encouragingly, 12 individuals have successfully recovered from the illness since the beginning of this latest outbreak.

In the preceding twenty-four hours alone, 27 new confirmed cases were recorded, highlighting the ongoing transmission.

Twenty-five health zones impacted

Official figures confirm that the epidemic has now reached 25 of the country’s 104 health zones.

Ituri remains the most severely affected province, with 17 of its 36 health zones grappling with the virus. These include Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Bunia, Damas, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Logo, Mambasa, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, Rimba, and Rwampara.

Both Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu provinces are also experiencing active foci, demonstrating the geographical expansion of the epidemic beyond its initial epicentre.

The Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu regions also report fatalities

In the neighbouring provinces, the Katwa health zone continues to be a significant active hotspot, reporting 11 confirmed cases and 8 deaths.

Other affected areas include:

– 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 with no recorded deaths;

– Goma: 1 confirmed case with no recorded deaths.

Response efforts face multiple hurdles

These escalating figures emerge amidst numerous challenges confronting response teams on the ground. These include persistent insecurity in certain parts of Ituri, logistical complexities impeding access to affected communities, and the critical need to intensify public awareness campaigns to counter rumours and misinformation.

Health authorities are reiterating their call for the population to promptly report any suspected cases and rigorously adhere to preventive measures to curb further viral transmission.