Congo’s ongoing Ebola outbreak has expanded to a new health zone in the northeastern province of Ituri, health authorities confirmed on Wednesday. This development comes more than three weeks after the epidemic was officially declared, signaling persistent transmission of the virus.
New Affected Area
The health ministry reported that Tchomia, located approximately 50 kilometers south of the provincial capital Bunia on the shores of Lake Albert, has become the latest health zone to be affected. This brings the total number of affected zones nationwide to 26, with 18 located in Ituri province. Ituri now accounts for over 94 percent of all confirmed cases.
In Congo’s healthcare system, a health zone encompasses a defined geographic area with a network of clinics and a referral hospital.
Recent Case Numbers
According to the government’s latest situation report, 37 new confirmed cases, including 12 deaths, were recorded in the previous 24 hours. All of these cases were reported in Ituri province. To date, the outbreak has resulted in 635 confirmed cases and 127 deaths across three eastern provinces.
Virus Strain and Challenges
The epidemic is caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. The outbreak was declared on May 15 and has since spread across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. These regions are characterized by insecurity, population displacement, and cross-border movement, which complicate containment efforts.
Recoveries and Treatment
Eight patients were newly declared recovered, bringing the total number of recoveries to 30. Treatment activities have been initiated at Ebola centers in Bunia and Rwampara, as noted in the report.
