The outbreak of the deadly Bundibugyo species of Ebola in the eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) continues to expand, with the death toll exceeding 500, according to the UN World Health Organization (WHO).

As of 4 July, the DRC government has recorded 1,561 confirmed cases, including 506 deaths and 254 recoveries. WHO officials emphasize that the outbreak’s true scale remains unclear and caution that it cannot yet be considered stabilizing.

Treatment centers are reportedly at saturation point, straining healthcare workers who remain dedicated despite significant challenges. WHO representatives have visited facilities in Bunia, Beni, Butembo, and Katwa, commending frontline workers involved in patient care, contact tracing, and community mobilization.

Testing capacity has improved markedly, increasing from 30 tests daily in Kinshasa to over 2,000 tests per day, facilitated by 10 decentralized laboratories across affected provinces, including a recent opening in Bunia.

Meanwhile, heavy fighting persists in the region. James Swan, head of the UN Stabilization Mission in the DRC (MONUSCO), informed the Security Council that clashes continue between the Alliance Fleuve Congo/23 March Movement (AFC/M23), supported by Rwandan forces, and the Congolese Army (FARDC) allied with the Wazalendo armed group.

In North Kivu, under de facto authorities, efforts are underway to strengthen community surveillance to prevent further cases, with numerous alerts from field laboratories being actively followed up.

Sources