The Ebola virus disease (Bundibugyo strain) continues to spread across eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. As of Sunday, June 7, a total of 515 laboratory-confirmed cases have been recorded since the start of the epidemic in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces.
The outbreak has so far claimed 91 lives among confirmed cases, resulting in an overall case fatality rate of 17.7 per cent. Health authorities report that 283 patients are currently under isolation or hospitalised, while 12 individuals have been declared cured since the epidemic began. In the past 24 hours alone, 27 new confirmed cases were recorded.
Twenty-five health zones affected
The epidemic now affects 25 health zones out of the country’s 104. Ituri remains the hardest-hit province, with 17 of its 36 health zones reporting infections: Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Bunia, Damas, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Logo, Mambasa, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, Rimba, and Rwampara. North Kivu and South Kivu also have multiple active clusters, showing the geographic spread beyond the initial epicentre.
In the neighbouring provinces, the Katwa health zone remains the main active focus with 11 confirmed cases and 8 deaths. Other affected zones include Beni (5 cases, 3 deaths), Butembo (4 cases, 2 deaths), Miti-Murhesa (3 cases, 1 death), Oicha (2 cases, 2 deaths), Kalunguta (1 case, 1 death), Kyondo (1 case, no deaths), and Goma (1 case, no deaths).
Response teams face multiple challenges
The response effort is hindered by persistent insecurity in parts of Ituri, logistical difficulties in reaching affected communities, and the need to strengthen awareness campaigns to counter rumours and misinformation. Health authorities continue to urge the public to report any suspected cases immediately and to adhere to preventive measures to limit the virus’s spread.