Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have reported 131 suspected deaths and 513 suspected cases in the country’s latest Ebola outbreak, sparking growing international concern.
DRC Health Minister Roger Kamba disclosed the figures in Kinshasa after returning from the affected regions, warning that investigations were still ongoing to confirm which deaths were directly linked to Ebola.
The outbreak, officially declared on May 15, is centred in Ituri Province, with additional confirmed cases recorded in North Kivu.
According to authorities, the outbreak involves the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, which is considered less deadly than the Zaire strain responsible for previous large-scale outbreaks.
The World Health Organization has since declared the outbreak in both the DRC and Uganda a public health emergency of international concern following cross-border infections.
Two confirmed Ebola cases linked to travel from the DRC were detected in Kampala, Uganda, with both patients admitted to intensive care units.
Neighbouring countries including Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania have strengthened border surveillance and emergency response measures to prevent further spread.
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention also declared the outbreak a continental public health emergency, stressing the need for urgent regional cooperation.
The DRC has experienced multiple Ebola outbreaks since 1976 and is considered one of the most experienced countries in handling the deadly disease.
