The Ebola virus disease outbreak, specifically the Bundibugyo strain, continues to spread in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. According to the latest epidemiological report published by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu now total 550 confirmed cases, including 101 deaths.

Data as of June 6 shows 27 new confirmed cases recorded in the past 24 hours, highlighting ongoing transmission in several affected areas. The report notes that 283 patients are currently hospitalized or in isolation.

With 91 deaths among confirmed cases, the overall case fatality rate stands at 17.7%, according to health authorities, who also indicate that some data is still being harmonized.

Ituri: the hardest-hit province

The geographical analysis of the outbreak confirms that Ituri remains the epicenter of the health crisis. Out of the 25 affected health zones, 17 are in this province, nearly half of the 36 health zones that make up Ituri.

The affected zones include Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Bunia, Damas, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Logo, Mambasa, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, Rimba, and Rwampara.

This geographical spread reflects the persistent circulation of the virus in several territories within the province, despite ongoing surveillance and awareness efforts by response teams.

Active hotspots in North Kivu and South Kivu

Outside Ituri, several health zones in North Kivu and South Kivu continue to report cases. The Katwa health zone stands out as the main active hotspot with 11 confirmed cases and 8 deaths. It is followed by Beni with 5 confirmed cases and 3 deaths; Butembo with 4 confirmed cases and 2 deaths; Miti-Murhesa with 3 confirmed cases and 1 death; Oïcha with 2 confirmed cases and 2 deaths; Kalunguta with 1 confirmed case and 1 death; Kyondo with 1 confirmed case and no deaths; and Goma with 1 confirmed case and no deaths.

Despite the outbreak’s progression, health teams report some progress. Three confirmed patients were recently declared cured. Two of them left the treatment centers in Bunia, while another was allowed to return home in the Katwa health zone.

The INSP states that interventions continue across all affected zones, with a particular focus on infection prevention in health facilities, contact tracing, and community sensitization.

Health authorities emphasize that strengthening public trust, early case detection, and adherence to prevention measures remain the key drivers to interrupting virus transmission chains in the coming weeks.

Reporting from Bunia by Freddy UPAR