Note: Single-source report; awaiting corroboration.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DR Congo) continues to expand despite significant efforts by the government and international partners, according to WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus. So far, there have been 2,273 cases and 796 deaths, with transmission still accelerating, especially in Ituri province in eastern DR Congo. Over 80% of new infections are detected outside known contact tracing, indicating ongoing undetected transmission chains, and about two-thirds of deaths occur among individuals who never receive treatment at health facilities. Armed conflict and attacks on treatment centers further complicate response efforts.
Despite these challenges, treatment capacity has increased to over 800 beds and laboratory capacity has grown from one to 16 laboratories. Contact follow-up rates have risen to nearly 80%, with more than 21,000 community health workers trained and improvements in safe and dignified burials. WHO highlighted advances in research and therapeutics, with 377 people recovering from Ebola, despite the absence of fully approved vaccines or treatments. Tedros emphasized that with early diagnosis and proper care, Ebola can be survived and controlled.
In Uganda, WHO reported positive developments, with the last confirmed Ebola patient discharged after two negative tests. This trigger starts the 42-day countdown before the outbreak can officially be declared over. Uganda has recorded 20 confirmed cases and two deaths since declaring its outbreak on 15 May, with most infections linked to importation from DR Congo and some due to local transmission. WHO’s representative in Uganda, Dr. Kasonde Mwinga, praised the efforts of health workers and communities but cautioned that risks remain.
WHO Director-General Tedros stressed the need for stronger political support and financial resources to contain the outbreak. The joint preparedness and response plan by WHO and Africa CDC still faces a funding gap exceeding $400 million, posing a risk to ongoing containment efforts.