Ebola Cases Top 300 in DR Congo as Death Toll Rises

Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have surpassed 300, with the death toll rising to 48, according to the health ministry. The outbreak is affecting 23 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu, with Ituri accounting for over 260 confirmed cases. Authorities say community resistance, rumours, and misinformation are hindering response efforts. Health officials reported four recoveries in Bunia and confirmed the opening of a new 60-bed treatment centre, alongside ongoing vaccine trials. Bunia Airport has also reopened with new monitoring measures to support response operations.

Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have now exceeded 300, according to the latest update released on Monday by the country’s health ministry, as the outbreak continues to spread across multiple regions.
The ministry also confirmed that the death toll has risen to 48, highlighting the growing impact of the epidemic as health authorities intensify containment efforts.
Officials said the outbreak is now affecting 23 health zones spread across the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. Ituri remains the most heavily affected area, with confirmed infections surpassing 260 cases. The region has also been particularly vulnerable due to long-standing insecurity and limited access to healthcare services in some communities.
Health authorities warned that response efforts are being hampered by resistance within affected communities, particularly in parts of the provincial capital Bunia and the northeastern town of Nizi. They added that misinformation, rumours, and mistrust continue to slow down case detection, contact tracing, and public health interventions.
Despite these challenges, there have been some signs of progress. Authorities confirmed that four patients have recovered and were discharged from the Evangelical Medical Center in Bunia on Monday, offering a small measure of hope amid the rising case numbers.
The World Health Organization’s Director-General, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, concluded a visit to the country on Monday after meeting with President Félix Tshisekedi. Their discussions focused on strengthening the response to the ongoing Bundibugyo-strain Ebola outbreak, including coordination between national authorities and international health partners.
In an effort to strengthen containment measures, health authorities and partner organisations have opened a new 60-bed treatment centre in Bunia. The facility is expected to improve patient care capacity as well as help reduce pressure on existing health facilities in the region. Vaccine trials are also currently underway as part of broader efforts to curb the spread of the virus.
Government spokesperson Patrick Muyaya announced that Bunia Airport has been reopened after being closed except for humanitarian flights. The reopening is aimed at improving the delivery of medical supplies, personnel, and emergency response support. He added that monitoring systems have been installed at both arrival and departure points to enhance screening and safety measures.
The outbreak, which was officially declared on May 15, continues to be closely monitored by national authorities and international health partners as efforts intensify to contain its spread and prevent further loss of life.