The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo has surpassed 1,500 following more than 40 new infections, according to official data released on Saturday. The death toll has risen to 473 since the outbreak was declared on May 15, as reported in a Health Ministry situation update.
Outbreak Concentration and Response Efforts
The outbreak remains concentrated in 34 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. Health authorities are monitoring over 11,000 contacts. To date, 213 recoveries have been recorded, while 628 patients remain under care.
The ministry noted that community mobilization capacities are being strengthened, particularly in Ituri, where community resistance persists.
High-Level Meeting and Pledges
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) convened a high-level meeting in Kinshasa earlier this week to align political leadership and resources behind supporting Congo and protecting the region. Speaking at the forum on Thursday, President Felix Tshisekedi emphasized the need for solidarity and strengthening Africa's health capacities for an effective epidemic response.
Donors and partners have pledged $910 million to support the Ebola response in Congo and Uganda, where 20 cases have been reported, according to Africa CDC.
WHO Classification
On May 17, two days after the outbreak was declared in Congo, the World Health Organization (WHO) classified the Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain as a Public Health Emergency of International Concern. The outbreak subsequently spread to Uganda.
