The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded more than 7,000 cases of Ebola in its latest outbreak, making it the deadliest and largest outbreak of the disease in the country.
Figures released by Congolese health authorities show that 7,022 cases have been recorded since the outbreak was identified in May. The death toll has reached 3,398, while 1,671 people have recovered.
The outbreak was first detected in Ituri Province before spreading to other parts of the country, including remote areas affected by years of conflict and limited access to healthcare.
The disease has now reached seven provinces, with South-Ubangi becoming the latest affected area. The province shares borders with the Central African Republic and the Republic of Congo.
Ituri remains the worst-affected region, with health officials reporting infections among schoolchildren after schools reopened following the summer break.
The spread in schools has heightened concerns among parents and health workers, prompting authorities to strengthen preventive measures. Schools in affected areas have introduced regular handwashing, limited classroom numbers and advised pupils to avoid physical contact.
Health officials are also working to contain transmission in communities where weak healthcare infrastructure and insecurity have made the response more difficult.
Ebola is a highly infectious disease that spreads through contact with the bodily fluids of an infected person. Severe cases can result in organ failure, internal bleeding and death.
The current outbreak is linked to the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. There is currently no approved vaccine or treatment specifically for this strain, although researchers are testing possible vaccines and treatments.
The latest outbreak is the 17th recorded Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of Congo and comes as health authorities and international partners intensify efforts to contain the disease.
The scale of the outbreak has also increased pressure on the country’s health system, with medical workers and response teams facing significant challenges in reaching affected communities.
