Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Tops 2,400 Confirmed Cases

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reached 2,423 confirmed cases, including 967 deaths, according to the latest update from health authorities. As of 19 July, 734 patients remain in quarantine or under treatment. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, was declared on 15 May and has since spread to five provinces, with a new affected health zone reported in Adja, Ituri province. This brings the total number of affected health zones to 47, with 46 still experiencing active transmission. Authorities report that population movement, insecurity, small-scale mining activities, and cross-border trade with Uganda and South Sudan continue to facilitate the spread of the virus. The outbreak has also taken a heavy toll on frontline health workers, with 121 infected in Ituri province alone, including 36 fatalities. In response, the DRC and Uganda have conducted a joint technical assessment of a mobile laboratory in Kasenyi, near the border, to strengthen cross-border surveillance efforts.