Ebola Outbreak in Eastern DR Congo Reaches 515 Confirmed Cases

The confirmed case count in the current Ebola outbreak in eastern DR Congo has reached 515 across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, with 91 deaths recorded. The top UN aid official in the Democratic Republic of the Congo arrived in Ituri province on Sunday for a three-day assessment visit.

The visit focuses on response efforts and coordination with government-led measures to contain the outbreak.

Saturday, Congolese health authorities reported 27 new confirmed cases. Roughly 95 per cent of all cases are in Ituri province, and 12 people have recovered. Uganda has reported 19 confirmed cases, including two deaths, as well as one probable case who has died. The outbreak was officially declared on 15 May.

Response efforts focus on case management, operation of treatment centres, delivery of medicines and supplies, community engagement, risk communication and strengthened surveillance. Officials noted gaps in contact tracing, limited treatment capacity and shortages of essential medicines.

The health crisis is unfolding amid a broader humanitarian situation in which nearly 15 million people nationwide need assistance. More than half of all displaced people, 3.4 million, are living in areas affected by the outbreak.

Last week the organization, alongside the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention and partners, launched a plan to raise $518 million to support preparedness and response across affected countries.