Congo Ebola outbreak surpasses 11,000 infections
The health ministry reported more than 11,000 Ebola cases and over 5,300 deaths as the virus spreads across eight provinces amid security and health system challenges.
The Congolese health ministry said Wednesday that the Ebola outbreak has infected 11,042 people and killed 5,387, making it the deadliest episode in the country’s history. The virus, identified as the Bundibugyo strain, has reached eight of the nation’s 26 provinces since the outbreak was declared in mid-May.
Health officials highlighted that the conflict-ridden provinces of Ituri and North Kivu are driving most new transmissions, with Ituri accounting for roughly 70% of total cases. The ministry urged an end to fighting to allow health workers safe access to patients.
Violence and mistrust have hampered response efforts; health facilities and staff have been attacked, and misinformation has fueled community resistance.
"Our students and the entire staff have been left traumatized. At this stage, we need psychologists to support us, as the situation is extremely difficult," said Isaac Singoma, a headteacher in Bunia, Ituri province.
The outbreak has also impacted schools, with teachers contracting the disease. Regional health experts called for intensified containment measures, noting that the current crisis already ranks second globally in scale, surpassing the 2014-2016 West Africa outbreak in speed of case accumulation.