GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – As of late, the World Health Organization reports some positive developments in the fight against Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where transmission rates are decreasing in certain severely affected regions. The most significant progress is observed in parts of Ituri province, which remains the epicenter of the outbreak. Nevertheless, the epidemic persists in other areas with expanding case numbers. Data up to September 13 revealed a total of 7,258 confirmed infections and 3,510 fatalities across seven provinces, with the case fatality ratio at 48.4%.
Since May, South Kivu has not reported any new cases, and nationwide recovery numbers are on the rise. Official statistics indicate that 1,726 individuals have recovered from Ebola in the Democratic Republic of the Congo as of September 13. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the recent trends as encouraging after months of rapid virus transmission. He emphasized, however, that the outbreak continues to cause fatalities and expand, now affecting 62 health zones, which underscores notable disparities among the affected provinces.
Despite the recent decline in transmission, Ituri remains the primary hotspot of the outbreak. During the latest weekly reporting period, health officials documented approximately 300 new cases and 160 deaths in that region, accounting for nearly half of the national total for that time. In contrast, North Kivu is experiencing an upward trend, with weekly infections nearly doubling over two weeks—from about 100 cases to over 200—as health teams track the spreading transmission.
In North Kivu, cases surge while Ituri shows signs of decline
Since May, the epidemic has involved Bundibugyo virus disease, a form of Ebola that has extended across a broad geographic region. Ituri continues to report the highest total number of cases, while North Kivu has become the second most affected province. Haut-Uélé also remains active in transmission. Recently, the outbreak reached Sud-Ubangi, expanding the total affected provinces to seven. This growth followed months of documented new cases across the northeastern and central parts of the country.
Research activities are integral to the ongoing response, with health teams conducting clinical trials for treatments and post-exposure prophylaxis as community participation improves. Efforts also include surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, isolation, and clinical management. Officials are closely monitoring infection patterns since transmission varies significantly between provinces and health zones. This uneven distribution means that while some areas see declining cases, others experience rapid increases.
Continued efforts in affected zones amid complex challenges
The response mobilizes national health authorities, WHO, Africa CDC, and numerous partner organizations working alongside frontline medical teams. Ongoing insecurity and population displacement hinder access in multiple affected regions, complicating surveillance, contact tracing, and prompt healthcare delivery. Communities involved in mining, informal settlements, and displacement sites face additional operational difficulties due to limited health services, sanitation, and infrastructure. Despite these obstacles, response teams remain active across urban centers and remote communities.
Latest figures reveal tangible progress in several locations, yet heavy transmission persists across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. South Kivu remains free of new cases for months, while transmission in Ituri has decreased from previous high levels. Meanwhile, North Kivu continues to experience a sharp rise in weekly infections. Authorities are tracking each affected area independently, given the diverse patterns of spread across the country. The outbreak’s continued scale is underscored by over 3,500 confirmed deaths, emphasizing the ongoing challenge.