The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported a sharp rise in Ebola-related deaths, with health authorities confirming that fatalities have now reached 101 amid an escalating outbreak that continues to spread across conflict-affected regions.
Officials say the outbreak, linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, has overwhelmed response efforts in several provinces where insecurity and mistrust are making containment increasingly difficult.
Outbreak Went Undetected for Weeks, Authorities Say
The epidemic was officially declared on May 15, but health officials now acknowledge that the virus circulated undetected for several weeks before detection, leaving medical teams scrambling to catch up with its spread.
The delay has been cited as a major factor in the rapid escalation of cases, particularly in areas already struggling with weak healthcare infrastructure and limited access to treatment facilities.
Three Provinces at the Centre of the Crisis
The outbreak is concentrated in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu—regions that have long experienced armed conflict and humanitarian instability.
According to the latest government situation report, infections have now been recorded in 17 health zones in Ituri, seven in North Kivu, and one in South Kivu, highlighting how widely the virus has spread across the eastern corridor.
New Cases and Deaths Recorded in 24 Hours
In the most recent 24-hour reporting period, authorities confirmed 35 new cases and 10 additional deaths.
This brings the cumulative total to 550 confirmed infections and 101 confirmed fatalities.
Public health officials warn that the figures may still underestimate the true scale of the outbreak due to ongoing access challenges in remote and insecure areas.
Armed Groups Blocking Humanitarian Access
The response to the outbreak has been significantly hindered by the presence of armed groups operating in parts of Ituri province, particularly in Djugu, Irumu, and Mambasa.
Government reports state that these groups have restricted humanitarian access in several affected and high-risk health zones, limiting the ability of medical teams to carry out surveillance, treatment, and vaccination efforts.
Despite the insecurity, the provincial capital Bunia is reported to be relatively calm, offering a limited operational base for response teams.
Attacks on Health Workers Raise Alarm
Tensions on the ground have also led to direct attacks on Ebola response teams.
In one of the latest incidents, a burial team was targeted at the Nyamurongo cemetery in Bunia, resulting in two serious injuries and damage to two vehicles.
Such incidents have heightened fears among health workers and slowed critical activities such as safe burials, which are essential in preventing further transmission of the virus.
Conflicting Figures Highlight Rapidly Evolving Situation
Earlier reports from the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) placed confirmed cases at 544 and confirmed deaths at 88, indicating how quickly the outbreak data is evolving as new cases are verified.
Health authorities continue to update figures as surveillance teams reach previously inaccessible areas, with officials warning that the situation remains fluid and highly unstable.f
