Summary Official data released late Sunday showed that more than 40 new cases were recorded on Friday alone. The Health Ministry said 213 patients have recovered, while 628 others remain under medical care
KINSHASA (Reuters) – The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported a further rise in Ebola infections, with the total number of confirmed cases reaching 1,561, including 506 deaths, as health authorities continue efforts to contain the outbreak.
Official data released late Sunday showed that more than 40 new cases were recorded on Friday alone. The outbreak remains concentrated across 34 health zones in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, where more than 11,000 people who had contact with infected patients are currently under monitoring.
The Health Ministry said 213 patients have recovered, while 628 others remain under medical care. Authorities are also working to strengthen community engagement and surveillance, particularly in Ituri province, where resistance to public health measures has complicated response efforts.
The worsening outbreak has prompted increased regional and international support. Earlier this week, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) convened a high-level meeting in Kinshasa to coordinate political leadership, international partners and resources, describing the rapid containment of the outbreak as a top priority for the region.
Addressing the meeting, President Felix Tshisekedi called for greater regional solidarity and stronger public health systems across Africa to improve preparedness and responses to future epidemics.
According to the Africa CDC, international donors and development partners have pledged $910 million to support Ebola response efforts in Congo and neighbouring Uganda, where 20 confirmed cases have been reported after the virus crossed the border.
The World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a Public Health Emergency of International Concern on May 17, two days after Congo officially announced the outbreak, citing the growing risk of regional spread.
