Ebola outbreak in DRC records 344 cases, 60 deaths

The World Health Organization (WHO) has reported that the Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has so far recorded 344 confirmed cases and 60 deaths across 24 health zones in three provinces, as health authorities continue to scale up containment measures.

The WHO has warned that the outbreak remains a major public health threat, even as response efforts begin to show signs of progress in affected areas.

WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus said the number of suspected cases has dropped significantly from more than 1,000 to 116, as cases are either confirmed or ruled out through ongoing surveillance and laboratory testing.

He said the outbreak had initially gained momentum before response systems fully scaled up, but noted that current interventions were now beginning to catch up under the leadership of national authorities and international partners.

In neighbouring Uganda, WHO reported one confirmed death and 15 confirmed cases linked to the outbreak, including a Congolese resident who travelled through the United Arab Emirates before arriving in Uganda, raising concerns over cross-border transmission risks.

The organisation said it is working closely with health authorities in Uganda and the United Arab Emirates to establish potential exposure points and strengthen contact tracing to prevent further spread.

Tedros also confirmed that a United States citizen infected in the DRC is currently receiving treatment in Germany, as international cooperation continues in managing cross-border cases.

He expressed appreciation for collaboration between affected countries and international partners, saying coordinated response efforts remain critical in limiting the spread of the virus.

Despite ongoing transmission, WHO maintained its risk assessment at very high at national level in the DRC, high at regional level, and low at global level, indicating that while the outbreak remains severe locally and regionally, global risk remains contained.

“The outbreak had a big head start, and we’re still behind, but under the leadership of the government, we are catching up,” Tedros said.

He said he had recently visited the DRC, including the epicentre of the outbreak in Ituri province, where he met government officials, health workers, community leaders and frontline responders involved in the containment efforts.

Tedros said he was encouraged by the level of commitment observed among responders despite the challenges posed by the outbreak.

The WHO said it continues to support surveillance, treatment and contact tracing operations in both the DRC and neighbouring countries to contain transmission and prevent further regional spread.