Ebola outbreak in DRC: 550 confirmed cases, 101 deaths as Ituri remains epicentre
The Ebola virus disease outbreak, specifically the Bundibugyo strain, continues to spread in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo. The latest epidemiological data released by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP) show that the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu have recorded 550 confirmed Ebola cases, with 101 fatalities.
As of June 6, 27 new confirmed cases were recorded in a single day, indicating sustained virus transmission across multiple affected zones. Currently, 283 patients are receiving hospital care or are placed in isolation.
With 91 deaths among confirmed cases, health authorities estimate the overall fatality rate at 17.7 percent, though they note that some data are still being harmonized.
Ituri hardest hit
Geographic analysis confirms that Ituri remains the epicentre of the health crisis. Of the 25 affected health zones, 17 are located in Ituri, representing nearly half of the province’s 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 persistent circulation of the virus across several territories of the province despite surveillance and awareness efforts by response teams.
Active outbreak hotspots in North Kivu and South Kivu
Outside Ituri, several health zones in North Kivu and South Kivu continue to record cases. The Katwa health zone appears as the main active hotspot 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 also report some progress. Three confirmed patients have recently been declared recovered. Two were discharged from treatment facilities in Bunia, while a third was allowed to return home in the Katwa health zone.
The INSP indicates that interventions continue across all affected zones, with a particular focus on infection prevention in health facilities, contact tracing, and community awareness.
Health authorities believe that strengthening community trust, early case detection, and adherence to preventive measures are the key levers to break virus transmission chains in the coming weeks.
