In the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, 18 individuals who succumbed to Ebola were laid to rest in Biakato within a 24-hour period. This development occurred in the chiefdom of Babila-Babombi, located in the Mambasa territory. The region has been identified as one of the epicenters of the Ebola outbreak, causing concern among residents and authorities alike.
The situation in Biakato remains critical, with the local population and health authorities expressing worry over the rapid spread of the disease. According to reports, 24 deaths were recorded in the Mahagi territory, also in Ituri, on October 2, 2026, out of 50 confirmed Ebola cases. The ongoing epidemic has resulted in significant challenges for the response teams, including logistical difficulties.
The response teams combating Ebola have reported substantial logistical challenges, including a shortage of fuel for vehicles assigned to the response efforts, such as an ambulance. In response to the escalating number of cases, the World Health Organization (WHO) announced the deployment of a rapid intervention team to the health zones of Mambasa and Mandima in Ituri.
The WHO, in collaboration with UNICEF and with logistical support from the World Food Programme (WFP), has already delivered essential medicines and personal protective equipment to Mandima. This effort aims to enhance patient care and prevent infections in healthcare facilities. Local health authorities are urging the population to remain vigilant and adhere to preventive measures, such as regular handwashing and prompt reporting of suspected symptoms.
The health authorities are also emphasizing the importance of avoiding misinformation and relying on official sources for updates. At the national level, the Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 4,000 deaths, with 4,018 fatalities reported out of 8,300 confirmed cases across seven provinces.
According to the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), the case fatality rate stands at 48.4%, indicating that nearly one in two confirmed cases results in death. The affected provinces include Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Bas-Uele, Haut-Uele, Tshopo, and Sud-Ubangi. The INSP also reports that 2,162 individuals have recovered, and 842 patients are currently in isolation or hospitalized.
The overall contact tracing rate is 80.6%, with the INSP noting that these figures are subject to change following consolidation, validation, and harmonization of data from provinces and response teams. The situation continues to evolve, with ongoing efforts to contain the outbreak and mitigate its impact on the affected regions.
Key points
- The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in over 4,000 deaths across seven provinces.
- The WHO has deployed a rapid intervention team to support response efforts in Ituri.
- Local health authorities are urging the population to adhere to preventive measures and rely on official sources for updates.
