The DR Congo Ebola outbreak has intensified after confirmed infections surpassed 1,800, with health authorities announcing that the virus has spread to a fourth province in the country’s northeast. Officials said the latest development highlights the need for stronger surveillance and rapid containment measures to prevent further transmission.
According to the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s Health Ministry, the total number of confirmed Ebola cases has reached 1,830 since the outbreak was declared on May 15. The outbreak has claimed 648 lives, while 780 patients remain under treatment and 284 people have recovered.
Health officials said the outbreak had previously been concentrated in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. However, authorities confirmed that the virus has now reached Haut-Uele province after seven Ebola-related deaths were recorded in the Wamba health zone.
The Health Ministry said response operations continue to be strengthened through enhanced national coordination, epidemiological surveillance and community mobilisation. Officials believe these measures are essential to slowing transmission and protecting vulnerable communities in affected regions.
International partners have pledged approximately $910 million to support Ebola response efforts in both the Democratic Republic of the Congo and neighbouring Uganda, where 20 confirmed cases have also been reported. The funding is expected to strengthen emergency healthcare services, disease monitoring and outbreak control activities.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said it has deployed multidisciplinary expert teams to priority health zones that account for most infections. Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya stressed that rapid detection, strong local health systems and immediate action remain critical to containing the outbreak before it spreads further.
The DR Congo Ebola outbreak was classified by the World Health Organization (WHO) as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern shortly after it was declared in May. Health experts continue to urge governments, aid agencies and local communities to work together to contain the virus and prevent additional loss of life.
