Ebola death toll exceeds 1,000 in DR Congo as cases continue to rise

The death toll from the current Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has risen to over 1,000, according to the latest data from the country’s health authorities. Confirmed infections since the outbreak was declared on May 15 have reached 2,536, with 1,033 deaths and a case fatality rate of 40.7%.

Outbreak and Response

The virus has affected five provinces, with Ituri remaining the epicenter. Some 738 patients are currently in isolation or hospitalised, while 506 people have recovered. Health authorities said the response remains fully deployed across affected provinces, with efforts to reinforce surveillance, diagnostic and case management capacities.

Transmission Risks and Government Response

The UN migration agency has warned that the movement of Ebola victims’ bodies across Congo for burial is increasing the risk of further transmission. Prime Minister Judith Suminwa is expected to visit affected areas to bolster the response and assess realities on the ground. Health officials said it is too early to assert that the peak has been reached.