DR Congo Ebola Cases Top 7,200 as Overall Outbreak Trend Declines

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has recorded 7,258 confirmed Ebola cases across seven provinces, including 3,510 deaths, as the country’s outbreak shows an overall downward trend despite continued transmission in several areas.

According to official data covering the epidemiological situation through September 13, the overall case fatality rate stood at 48.4%. The World Health Organization (WHO) confirmed the same cumulative figures in its latest regional situation report.

A total of 1,726 patients have recovered, while 905 patients remain in isolation or hospitalized, according to the latest epidemiological data.

Ebola Outbreak Has Reached Seven Provinces

The outbreak has affected 62 health zones across seven provinces  Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Bas-Uélé, Tshopo and Sud-Ubangi.

Sud-Ubangi became the seventh affected province following confirmation of a case in Bulu Health Zone, expanding the geographical reach of the outbreak toward areas bordering the Central African Republic and the Republic of the Congo.

Ituri remains the main focus of the outbreak, accounting for the majority of cumulative confirmed cases. However, its relative contribution to the outbreak has been declining as transmission patterns increasingly differ between affected provinces.

Sustained transmission continues in Ituri, North Kivu and Haut-Uélé, while sporadic cases have also been reported in Tshopo and Bas-Uélé.

Overall Epidemic Trend Declines After Mid August Peak

Dieudonné Mwamba Kazadi, head of the DRC’s National Institute of Public Health, said the overall epidemic curve was trending downward, with the outbreak appearing to have reached its peak around mid August.

However, he cautioned that the decline has not been uniform across the country, with some provinces continuing to report increases in infections.

North Kivu remains a particular concern, with cases continuing to rise even as the national trend shows signs of improvement.

WHO’s latest assessment similarly shows a mixed epidemiological picture. While the relative contribution of Ituri to the national outbreak is declining, transmission continues to increase in North Kivu and persists in Haut-Uélé.

Outbreak Remains a Serious Public Health Threat

The current outbreak was declared in May 2026 and is being driven by the Bundibugyo virus, one of the viruses capable of causing Ebola disease.

WHO has warned that transmission patterns vary considerably across affected locations, with continued geographical expansion and increases in cases in some health zones. The persistently high case fatality rate also underscores the seriousness of the outbreak and the challenges surrounding early detection, access to timely care and interruption of transmission.

Although the overall downward trend provides encouraging signs, health authorities continue to emphasize the need for surveillance, case detection, contact tracing, infection prevention and other outbreak-control measures, particularly in areas where transmission remains active.

 

Source : Xinhua Thai News