Congo Ebola outbreak grows to 782 cases, 181 deaths

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to 782, including 181 deaths, the country’s Ministry of Health said in a statement posted on X on Sunday.

Authorities warned that the actual caseload is likely higher, as the outbreak was officially confirmed on May 15, weeks after it is believed to have begun. Contact tracing has also weakened, with coverage dropping to 56%, significantly lower than the previous week.

The outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or treatment. This differs from the Zaire strain, which was behind most of Congo’s previous 16 Ebola outbreaks. According to the ministry, 56 patients have recovered, while the outbreak’s fatality rate stands at 23%.

More than 90% of the infections have been reported in the eastern province of Ituri. Cases have also been detected in North Kivu and South Kivu provinces, with the virus spreading across the border into Uganda.

Efforts to contain the outbreak have been complicated by ongoing conflict in Ituri, where nearly one million people have been displaced, according to the United Nations. Frequent movement of residents, difficult terrain, poor road connectivity and remote villages have made contact tracing increasingly challenging.

Health officials are also struggling to monitor thousands of artisanal miners who move regularly between mining sites in the mineral-rich region. In addition, attacks on healthcare workers, mistrust among some communities and persistent insecurity in conflict-hit areas continue to hamper the response.

Last month, US officials announced plans to quarantine Americans exposed to Ebola abroad at a new facility in Kenya instead of repatriating them. The proposed centre at Laikipia Air Base, designed to accommodate up to 50 people, sparked protests and was later put on hold following a court intervention.