The 17th Ebola epidemic in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has reported 62 new confirmed cases and 30 deaths within the last 24 hours. The Ministry of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Protection reported that the epidemic now totals 8,665 confirmed cases, 4,178 deaths, and 2,259 recoveries, with a fatality rate of 48.2%. The epidemic is currently affecting seven provinces and 64 health zones.
The Ituri province remains the epicenter of the epidemic, accounting for 74.8% of the cumulative confirmed cases. The North Kivu province's Alimbongo health zone reported four new cases, including two deaths. The authorities are continuing response efforts, including vaccination campaigns in the Bas-Uélé province and the launch of vaccination in the Makiso-Kisangani and Mangobo health zones in the Tshopo province.
Eleven health zones have now gone 42 days without reporting new cases, a positive development in tracking the spread of the disease. The health authorities are continuing interventions in epidemiological surveillance, contact tracing, dignified and secure burials, and strengthening patient care in affected areas. Coordination of health and humanitarian actions remains crucial to containing the spread of the virus.
The Minister of Public Health, Hygiene, and Social Protection, Dr. Samuel Roger Kamba, and the Minister of State for Social Affairs, Humanitarian Actions, and National Solidarity, Ève Bazaiba Masudi, attended a meeting to review the evolution of the epidemic. The meeting aimed to assess the current situation and coordinate response efforts to combat the epidemic.
The response efforts are focused on containing the spread of the virus, improving patient care, and protecting exposed populations. The authorities are working to strengthen the capacity of health zones to detect and respond to new cases. The vaccination campaign is a critical component of the response efforts, with the goal of protecting vulnerable populations.
The epidemic has had a significant impact on the affected communities, with many people affected by the disease. The authorities are working to provide support to affected families and communities, including providing food, shelter, and other essential items. The response efforts are being implemented in collaboration with international partners, including the World Health Organization.
The situation remains challenging, with the epidemic continuing to spread in some areas. However, the authorities are making progress in controlling the outbreak, with a decline in new cases reported in some areas. The response efforts will continue until the epidemic is brought under control.
Key points
- The DR Congo has reported 62 new Ebola cases and 30 deaths within 24 hours, with the epidemic now totaling 8,665 cases and 4,178 deaths.
- The Ituri province remains the epicenter of the epidemic, accounting for 74.8% of the cumulative confirmed cases.
- Eleven health zones have now gone 42 days without reporting new cases, a positive development in tracking the spread of the disease.
