Ituri Ebola Testing Capacity Surges Past 2,000 Daily Tests

Health authorities in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo say Ebola case detection capacity has increased dramatically in Ituri Province, with daily testing rising from just nine screenings to more than 2,000 tests per day, according to a report by local media.

The figures were presented during a high-level briefing in Bunia on June 18 attended by ministers responsible for Public Health, Communication, and Social Affairs.

Dr. Lola, a member of the Ebola response team, said the improvement reflects stronger community engagement and better coordination between the provincial government, national authorities, and international partners.

According to health officials, response structures are now operational across all 36 health zones in Ituri, although the outbreak is currently affecting 20 of them. Community health relays have played a critical role by quickly reporting suspected cases and helping authorities respond faster.

The testing expansion comes as the province remains the epicenter of the latest Ebola outbreak in the DRC. The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, which currently has no approved vaccine, according to the World Health Organization.

Health authorities also reported that Ituri now has nine Ebola treatment centers with a combined capacity of more than 500 beds. Officials say these facilities have helped improve patient care and increase survival rates.

Another encouraging sign is the growing number of recoveries. Response teams reported 78 patients have recovered from the disease, which they describe as evidence that treatment and containment strategies are producing results.

The latest figures show that 33 days after the outbreak was officially declared, the DRC had recorded 896 confirmed Ebola cases and 232 deaths across three affected provinces. Ituri alone accounts for 827 confirmed infections, representing the overwhelming majority of cases reported nationwide.

The continued expansion of testing, surveillance, and treatment capacity remains central to efforts by Congolese authorities and international partners to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread.

The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and WHO continue to support monitoring and response efforts as the health emergency evolves.