Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) says the number of confirmed Ebola cases in the country has risen to 3,200, with 1,405 deaths recorded since the latest outbreak began.
Health authorities said the figures reflect the continued challenge of containing the virus, as medical teams work to trace infections, provide treatment and prevent further spread in affected communities.
The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a less common form of the virus that was first identified in Uganda’s Bundibugyo district in 2007.
The latest figures were reported as health workers intensified response efforts in affected areas, including parts of eastern DR Congo, where insecurity and difficult access have complicated disease control operations.
Health experts have warned that the official numbers may not represent the full scale of the outbreak, with some infections potentially going undetected due to challenges in accessing communities and identifying cases early.
The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations (CEPI) and other health partners have previously cautioned that reported cases could represent only part of the overall situation, particularly in areas where surveillance remains difficult.
Ebola spreads through direct contact with the body fluids of infected people or those who have died from the disease. Symptoms can include fever, weakness, muscle pain, vomiting and bleeding in severe cases.
Congolese health authorities, supported by international partners, have been carrying out emergency measures including disease surveillance, contact tracing, infection prevention and community awareness campaigns.
Healthcare workers remain on the front line of the response, treating patients while also facing the risk of infection themselves.
Previous Ebola outbreaks in DR Congo have highlighted the importance of early detection, public trust and community cooperation in controlling the virus.
DR Congo has faced repeated Ebola outbreaks over several decades and has developed significant experience in responding to the disease.
The country recorded its first known Ebola outbreak in 1976 and has since dealt with multiple epidemics, including one of the world’s deadliest outbreaks between 2018 and 2020, which killed more than 2,000 people.
Health officials say lessons learned from previous outbreaks are helping guide the current response, but challenges remain, particularly in areas affected by conflict and limited healthcare access.
Officials have urged communities to report suspected cases early and follow public health guidance to reduce transmission.
While Ebola remains one of the world’s most dangerous viral diseases, health experts say early treatment and rapid response can significantly improve survival rates.
Authorities say they will continue monitoring the outbreak as efforts to contain the virus and protect communities continue.
