Confirmed Ebola Cases in DR Congo Reach 282 as Outbreak Persists in Eastern Provinces

Confirmed Ebola Cases in DR Congo Reach 282 as Outbreak Persists in Eastern Provinces
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The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) has reported 282 confirmed cases of Ebola in its ongoing outbreak, health authorities said, as the disease continues to spread in eastern provinces of the country.

The latest figures, released by the Congolese communications ministry, show that 19 new positive tests were recorded, bringing the total to 282 confirmed infections. Of these, 264 cases are in Ituri province, with 15 in North Kivu and three in South Kivu. The outbreak has so far resulted in 42 confirmed deaths.

Health officials warn the outbreak remains difficult to contain due to challenges in early detection, isolation of cases, and contact tracing. More than 1,000 suspected infections linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus—which currently has no approved vaccine or treatment—are under investigation.

The World Health Organization (WHO) and Congolese government representatives have noted that conflict, displacement, and security issues in affected areas complicate response efforts. International support and enhanced surveillance measures are underway to strengthen the outbreak response.

This Ebola outbreak remains a major public health concern in DR Congo’s conflict‑affected east, with authorities continuing efforts to curb the spread and protect vulnerable communities.