Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo rises to 1,460 confirmed cases and 447 deaths
DRC Ebola outbreak rises to 1,460 confirmed cases and 447 deaths; 54 new infections reported in Ituri and North Kivu as authorities step up containment.
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has reached 1,460 confirmed cases, with 447 deaths, government figures showed on Thursday. Health officials reported 54 new infections recorded on Wednesday, concentrated in the northeastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu. Authorities said the figures come from official surveillance data as response teams intensify efforts to contain the spread.
Confirmed cases reach 1,460 with 447 fatalities
The government report released Thursday updated the national toll to 1,460 confirmed Ebola cases and 447 deaths since the current outbreak began. The figures represent cumulative laboratory-confirmed infections verified by health authorities. Officials cautioned that case numbers may continue to change as investigations and testing of suspected cases progress.
New infections reported in Ituri and North Kivu
Fifty-four new cases were recorded on Wednesday, health sources said, with the majority identified in the border areas of Ituri and North Kivu provinces. These northeastern regions have been focal points for transmission, reflecting persistent community spread and localised flare-ups. Public health teams have prioritized these provinces for intensified surveillance and contact tracing.
Health response mobilized across affected areas
National and provincial health authorities say they are scaling up isolation, testing and case management measures in affected districts. Rapid response teams have been dispatched to new clusters to locate contacts, test suspected cases and provide clinical care to the sick. Officials emphasized the importance of early detection and isolation to reduce onward transmission and protect health workers.
Vaccination campaigns and medical supplies expanded
Authorities have expanded targeted vaccination campaigns for frontline health workers and close contacts of confirmed cases in affected zones. Mobile vaccination units are being deployed to reach remote communities and high-risk groups, while treatment centres are being resupplied with protective equipment and critical medicines. Health officials described vaccine delivery and cold-chain maintenance as priorities to sustain immunization activities.
Security and access challenges hamper outreach
Response operations face ongoing logistical and security constraints in some districts, complicating access to affected communities. Insecurity, difficult terrain and limited transport infrastructure have slowed the movement of response teams and supplies in parts of Ituri and North Kivu. Health authorities said they are coordinating with local leaders and security forces to negotiate safe access and ensure community acceptance of response measures.
International partners and monitoring of the outbreak
National authorities are working alongside international partners and technical agencies to monitor the outbreak and bolster the response. Surveillance data are being shared with regional health bodies to inform cross-border preparedness, given the proximity of affected areas to neighbouring countries. Officials stressed that sustained international support will be critical to maintain vaccination campaigns, laboratory testing and clinical care capacities.
The spread of Ebola in northeastern DRC underscores continuing public health risks in areas with fragile health infrastructure and recurrent outbreaks. Authorities urged communities to report suspected cases early, follow infection-prevention guidance, and cooperate with contact tracers and vaccination teams. Continued monitoring of case trends and reinforced containment measures remain central to preventing further escalation.