Kinshasa, June 8: The situation regarding Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) is becoming increasingly severe. Authorities have reported a rapid rise in infections, with confirmed cases now totaling 515 and 91 fatalities. Health officials warn that without prompt control measures, the outbreak could escalate further.
In an update released on Sunday (local time), the health ministry stated that three additional patients have recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 12 as of June 6.
The report indicates that 117 cases have been classified as suspected, while 283 patients remain in isolation or hospitalized. Many of the infected individuals began showing symptoms between May 14 and May 23, suggesting a rapid spread from a single source. The most significant surge in cases occurred around May 18, followed by another group of symptoms appearing between May 25 and June 3, indicating a potential new source of transmission.
The report warns, “If immediate and effective measures are not taken, there could be a further increase in cases.”
Currently, several challenges hinder the control of the outbreak, including difficulties in accurately tracking infected contacts, community reluctance to cooperate with post-mortem investigations, inadequate facilities at Ebola treatment centers, shortages of essential supplies to prevent infection, and a lack of funding.
According to reports from the Xinhua news agency, contact tracing in the three affected provinces is only at 50.3 percent, while the target should be 95 percent.
Laboratory testing capabilities are also under pressure, with 193 test results still pending due to a shortage of reagents in North Kivu province.
This ongoing outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was officially declared by the health ministry on May 15.
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