DR Congo Ebola Cases Rise to 1,502 as Death Toll Reaches 473

A hospital worker stands inside an isolation area prepared for suspected Ebola cases at CBCA Virunga Hospital in Goma, Democratic Republic of Congo, on May 22, 2026. Photo: AFP The Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed 1,502 Ebola cases, including 473 deaths, in an outbreak involving the Bundibugyo virus, Reuters reported on July 3, citing government data. The cases have been recorded in the eastern provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, where health teams are trying to contain transmission in areas affected by insecurity, poor infrastructure and population movement. The latest government figures show a continued rise in cases since the outbreak was declared in mid-May. The World Health Organization’s most recent public update, based on DRC data as of July 1, listed 1,460 confirmed cases and 452 deaths, while Reuters reported higher government figures two days later, reflecting how quickly the outbreak data is changing. Ituri remains the centre of the outbreak. In its July 1 update, the WHO said the province accounted for 1,333 confirmed cases and 380 deaths, far more than North Kivu or South Kivu. The agency said 36 health zones had reported cases, with recent transmission still active in more than half of them. Congolese health authorities, supported by the WHO and other partners, have expanded surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing, treatment capacity and community outreach. The WHO said more than 10,000 contacts had been identified for follow-up in Ituri and North Kivu, an important step in breaking chains of transmission. Testing remains one of the major challenges. Reuters reported that 10 laboratories are now able to test for Bundibugyo virus using three types of tests, but unreliable electricity, poor roads and insecurity continue to delay results in some areas. Health experts say faster testing is critical because delays can slow isolation, treatment and contact tracing. Efforts to find treatment options are also under way. The WHO announced on July 2 that patient enrolment had begun in a clinical trial in the DRC to evaluate potential treatments for Ebola disease caused by Bundibugyo virus. The strain currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, although supportive care, including rehydration and treatment of symptoms, can improve survival. Ebola is a severe viral disease that spreads through direct contact with the blood or body fluids of an infected person or contaminated materials, according to health authorities. Symptoms can include fever, fatigue, vomiting and diarrhea, while some severe cases may involve internal or external bleeding. People are not considered infectious before symptoms appear. The outbreak has regional implications. The WHO said the DRC and Uganda confirmed outbreaks in May, while Uganda had reported 20 confirmed cases and two deaths as of July 2. One case linked to the DRC had also been reported in France, the agency said. The DRC has faced repeated Ebola outbreaks since the virus was first identified near the Ebola River in 1976. Health officials say rapid case detection, treatment, safe burials, contact tracing and public trust remain essential to limiting the spread of the current outbreak. The post DR Congo Ebola Cases Rise to 1,502 as Death Toll Reaches 473 appeared first on Khaama Press.