GENEVA: The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has claimed 600 lives, according to the latest figures released by the World Health Organization (WHO), highlighting the rapid escalation of the epidemic that was officially declared less than two months ago.
The UN health agency said on Thursday that the DRC has recorded 1,759 laboratory-confirmed Ebola infections since the outbreak began in mid-May, including 600 confirmed deaths, pushing the case fatality rate to approximately 34 per cent.
Health authorities have also confirmed that 285 patients have recovered, while a further 304 suspected cases remain under investigation as surveillance efforts continue.
The outbreak is centred in the country’s Ituri province in the north-east, although infections have been reported across four provinces. The region has long faced insecurity due to the presence of armed groups, complicating disease surveillance, treatment and response operations.
The current outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, a comparatively rare variant for which there are currently no approved vaccines or licensed treatments.
In an effort to improve patient outcomes, clinical trials evaluating two experimental therapies began in the DRC on 2 July. Researchers are assessing the effectiveness of the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir, both individually and in combination.
The outbreak has also spread beyond the DRC’s borders. In neighbouring Uganda, health officials have confirmed 20 Ebola cases, of which 17 patients have recovered, while two deaths have been reported.
Ebola is a severe viral haemorrhagic disease that spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Early diagnosis, isolation of patients and rigorous contact tracing remain central to containing transmission.
The DRC declared its 17th Ebola outbreak on 15 May after several deaths were detected in Ituri province. Health authorities, supported by the WHO and international partners, continue to strengthen surveillance, case management and community awareness as they seek to curb the spread of the virus.
