Congo Ebola outbreak nears 600 cases, with 115 deaths
Why it matters: Armed groups in Ituri are restricting access to hot spots, raising the risk of wider spread if response teams cannot reach patients.
The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola outbreak has climbed to 598 confirmed cases and 115 deaths, with officials warning that transmission is still continuing in communities. The Bundibugyo-strain outbreak was formally identified on May 15, but health authorities say it had gone undetected for weeks. Cases have been recorded across 17 health zones in Ituri, seven in North Kivu and one in South Kivu. Health officials reported 48 new confirmed cases on June 8, including 14 deaths, while 22 patients have recovered. Armed groups remain active in parts of Ituri, limiting access to some affected or high-risk areas. Aid workers have also reported shortages of water, protective gear, incinerators and decontamination supplies.