DR Congo Warns Ebola Outbreak in North Kivu Risks Spiraling Out of Control

DR Congo Warns Ebola Outbreak in North Kivu Risks Spiraling Out of Control
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Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) has warned that the Ebola outbreak in North Kivu province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo is worsening, with new infection clusters emerging and efforts to contain the virus facing major challenges.

Local reports indicate that the outbreak has recorded more than 8,600 infections and over 4,100 deaths, with North Kivu accounting for around 40 percent of confirmed new cases in the country.

Stéphanie Hoffmann, coordinator of an Ebola treatment centre in Butembo, said many new cases are not linked to previously known transmission chains, making it increasingly difficult to trace and control the spread of the virus.

She added that around 75 percent of Ebola deaths occur outside healthcare facilities, as many patients avoid hospitals due to fear of the disease or limited access to medical services, increasing the risk of transmission within communities.

The outbreak initially concentrated around Butembo before spreading to neighbouring health zones, with new infection hotspots reportedly appearing almost weekly. Health authorities are calling for stronger early detection, contact tracing, expanded treatment capacity and greater community awareness to prevent further escalation.