Ebola outbreak in drc: 550 confirmed cases, 101 deaths, ituri remains epicentre

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

Data as of 6 June indicates 27 new confirmed cases were recorded within 24 hours, highlighting ongoing transmission in multiple affected areas. Currently, 283 patients are hospitalised or in isolation.

With 91 deaths among confirmed cases, the overall case fatality rate stands at 17.7%, health authorities report, adding that some data are still being harmonised.

Ituri remains hardest hit

Geographic analysis confirms Ituri as the epicentre of the health crisis. Of the 25 affected health zones, 17 are located in this province, which itself has 36 health zones. The affected zones include Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Bunia, Damas, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Logo, Mambasa, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, Rimba and Rwampara. This geographic spread reflects the virus’s persistent circulation across several territories despite surveillance and awareness efforts by response teams.

Active clusters in North Kivu and South Kivu

Beyond Ituri, several health zones in North Kivu and South Kivu continue to record cases. Katwa health zone remains the main active cluster with 11 confirmed cases and 8 deaths, followed by Beni (5 cases, 3 deaths), Butembo (4 cases, 2 deaths), Miti-Murhesa (3 cases, 1 death), Oïcha (2 cases, 2 deaths), Kalunguta (1 case, 1 death), Kyondo (1 case, 0 deaths) and Goma (1 case, 0 deaths).

Despite the outbreak’s progression, health teams report some progress. Three confirmed patients were recently declared cured. Two left treatment facilities in Bunia, and another was allowed to return home in Katwa health zone. The INSP says interventions continue across all affected areas, focusing on infection prevention in health facilities, contact tracing and community awareness. Health authorities stress that strengthening community trust, early case detection and adherence to prevention measures remain key to interrupting virus transmission chains in the weeks ahead.