(Photo courtesy of Anadolu)
RWANDA – Ebola transmission continues across much of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo), with more than 9,600 confirmed cases and 4,646 deaths recorded since the outbreak began in May, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).
In its latest situation report released Wednesday, October 21, the WHO Regional Office for Africa said the outbreak remains active in 50 of the 66 affected health zones, representing 75.8% of the total. These areas reported at least one new confirmed infection over the past 21 days.
The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, has spread across eight provinces: Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Bas-Uele, Tshopo, South-Ubangi, and North Ubangi.
Ituri accounts for 72.7% of all confirmed cases, while North Kivu and Haut-Uele continue to report significant transmission.
WHO also noted a slight increase in the seven-day moving average of new cases, raising concerns over a possible intensification of the outbreak.
The health agency warned that containment efforts are becoming more complicated as infections spread beyond Congo’s borders.
Kenya reported another confirmed Ebola infection Tuesday, bringing its total to nine cases, while Nigeria also confirmed an infection in its capital, Abuja.
According to WHO, worsening insecurity, population displacement, and limited humanitarian access in affected areas of Congo are creating additional challenges for disease surveillance and emergency response operations.
Meanwhile, the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) called for stronger international cooperation to contain the outbreak.
Africa CDC Director-General Jean Kaseya emphasized the urgent need for flexible funding, medical equipment, diagnostic supplies, trained health personnel, and stronger community-based disease monitoring.
“Ebola is crossing borders. Our response must move faster, with stronger coordination, greater solidarity and decisive political leadership,” Kaseya said.
Africa CDC is scheduled to convene a high-level virtual meeting of African health ministers on October 28 to review the outbreak, strengthen cross-border coordination, and accelerate assistance to affected countries.
The meeting will also focus on improving preparedness and preventing further transmission across the continent.
