BUNIA — The death toll from the Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to at least 930, health authorities said, as officials warned that the epidemic continues to spread rapidly despite an intensified international response.
The Congolese Ministry of Health said 2,344 confirmed cases had been recorded as of July 19, with 930 deaths linked to the outbreak declared on May 15. Officials reported one of the highest daily increases so far, with dozens of deaths recorded over a 24-hour period during the weekend.
The outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The World Health Organization (WHO) has described the epidemic as one of the fastest-growing Ebola outbreaks recorded in the country and said sustained community transmission remains a major concern.
Health officials said Ituri province remains the epicenter of the outbreak, accounting for the vast majority of confirmed infections and deaths, while cases have also been reported in North Kivu, Tshopo, Haut-Uele and South Kivu provinces. According to official data, more than 700 patients are being treated in isolation facilities, while hundreds have recovered from the disease.
WHO has warned that many new infections are linked to unidentified chains of transmission, complicating efforts to trace contacts and isolate infected individuals. Violence, attacks on health facilities, population displacement and mistrust of health workers have further hampered response operations in affected areas.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has called for increased international support, warning that funding shortages threaten efforts to contain the epidemic. The agency has also criticized travel restrictions imposed by some countries, saying they risk disrupting the movement of medical personnel and essential supplies needed for the response.
International health agencies continue to support Congolese authorities through surveillance, laboratory testing, infection prevention measures and clinical research into potential vaccines and treatments targeting the Bundibugyo virus. WHO said neighboring countries remain on heightened alert, although Uganda has reported no new cases since late June and has entered a period of enhanced surveillance.
Health authorities said response efforts remain focused on expanding contact tracing, improving access to treatment centers and strengthening community engagement as they seek to slow transmission and prevent further spread of the virus.
