KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF THE CONGO / MENA Newswire / — Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have risen to 282, with 42 confirmed deaths, after health authorities recorded new positive test results in the country’s latest outbreak. The updated tally places the largest burden in Ituri province, where 264 confirmed infections have been reported. North Kivu has recorded 15 confirmed cases, while South Kivu has recorded three, keeping the outbreak concentrated in the country’s eastern provinces.
The latest figures follow the confirmation of Ebola disease in Ituri in mid May, when laboratory testing identified Bundibugyo virus as the cause of illness among suspected cases. The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene and Social Welfare has reported the outbreak across multiple health zones, with surveillance, testing and patient isolation continuing in affected areas. Health officials have also reported suspected cases under investigation, reflecting ongoing efforts to separate confirmed infections from illnesses that require laboratory verification.
Bundibugyo virus is one of the species of Ebola virus known to cause severe illness in humans. The current outbreak has drawn particular attention because no licensed vaccine or specific approved treatment is available for this virus species. Clinical care focuses on early detection, isolation, fluid support, treatment of symptoms and prevention of transmission through contact with the blood or body fluids of infected people, contaminated materials or bodies of people who died from the disease.
Confirmed Ebola infections remain centered in Ituri
Ituri remains the center of the outbreak, with confirmed cases reported in several health zones including Bunia, Rwampara, Mongbwalu, Komanda and other areas. North Kivu and South Kivu have recorded smaller confirmed totals, but their inclusion in the official case count shows that the outbreak is not limited to one province. Health authorities have continued case investigation, contact follow up and infection prevention measures in health facilities and communities where confirmed or suspected cases have been identified.
The World Health Organization has classified the outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda as a public health emergency of international concern under global health regulations. Uganda has reported confirmed cases linked to the regional outbreak, including imported infections from the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The classification is intended to coordinate international support, improve reporting and strengthen response measures across borders while national authorities continue to lead operations in affected areas.
Recoveries reported as treatment capacity expands
Health officials have reported patient recoveries in Bunia, including health workers who received care after infection during the outbreak. The recoveries have been reported alongside the opening and use of Ebola treatment capacity in eastern Congo. Response teams are focusing on safe patient care, laboratory testing, safe burial practices, community engagement and protection of health workers, all of which are central to controlling Ebola transmission in areas where fear, misinformation and insecurity can disrupt public health measures.
The Democratic Republic of the Congo has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976. The latest confirmed rise to 282 cases underscores the scale of the current outbreak in the east, where health services are managing confirmed infections, suspected cases and contact tracing at the same time. Authorities have urged early reporting of symptoms and rapid medical evaluation, as delayed care can increase the risk of severe illness and further spread.