Ituri Remains the Epicenter as DRC Ebola Outbreak Reaches 515 Cases

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Ebola outbreak continues to expand, with health authorities reporting 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths since the epidemic began.

According to a recent report published by the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), Ituri Province remains the center of the outbreak, while infections have also spread across North Kivu and South Kivu.

The latest figures show a case fatality rate of 17.7%, with 283 patients currently hospitalized or in isolation. Health officials have also recorded 12 recoveries since the start of the epidemic, while 27 new confirmed cases were reported within the last 24 hours.

The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which has triggered an intensive response effort across affected regions.

Official data indicate that the epidemic now affects 25 of the country's 104 health zones. Ituri accounts for the largest concentration of cases, with 17 affected health zones including Bunia, Komanda, Mambasa, Mongbwalu, Nyankunde, and Rwampara.

The province has remained the primary hotspot since the outbreak emerged, placing significant pressure on local health facilities and response teams.

Several health zones in North Kivu and South Kivu are also reporting active transmission. Katwa remains the most affected area outside Ituri, recording 11 confirmed cases and eight deaths. Other affected zones include Beni, Butembo, Oicha, Kalunguta, Kyondo, Goma, and Miti-Murhesa.

The continued spread highlights concerns about containing the virus in densely populated and highly mobile communities.

Health authorities say the response faces major challenges, including insecurity in parts of Ituri, difficult access to remote communities, and persistent misinformation that can undermine public health measures. Officials continue to urge residents to report suspected cases quickly, cooperate with health workers, and follow prevention guidelines to help slow transmission.