WHO: Ebola Outbreak in Congo Surpasses 1,000 Cases in a Month

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has surpassed 1,000 confirmed cases in the first month of its spread, making it the largest Ebola epidemic in the country’s history at this early stage of an outbreak. According to the World Health Organization’s Director of Health Emergency Alert and Response Operations, Abdi Mahamud, the Congolese Ministry of Health recorded 1,048 confirmed cases, including 267 deaths, as of Monday (22/6).

Speaking to journalists in Geneva on Tuesday, Mahamud said, “Since the last time I briefed you on 9 June from Bunia, this outbreak has continued to expand.” After completing a one-month mission in Congo, Mahamud explained that transmission patterns vary across the affected health zones. Some areas show a stable trend, while others are experiencing a sharp surge in case numbers.

Meanwhile, laboratory testing capacity has also increased significantly, from 30 tests per day last month to more than 2,000 tests per day through eight decentralised laboratories in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces. Despite this, Mahamud warned that treatment centres are beginning to face immense pressure, with bed occupancy rates reaching 84 per cent of available capacity.

Calling the outbreak a “challenging and complex” situation, Mahamud said the WHO is submitting a funding request of 115 million US dollars to help slow and ultimately stop the transmission of the disease. He also revealed that neighbouring Uganda has reported its 20th confirmed Ebola case linked to the ongoing outbreak in Congo.