The Ebola virus disease outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, continues to spread across eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo. According to the latest epidemiological situation report from the National Institute of Public Health (INSP), the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu now collectively report 550 confirmed cases, including 101 fatalities.
Data as of June 6 shows 27 new confirmed cases recorded within a 24-hour period, highlighting ongoing transmission in multiple affected areas. The report indicates that 283 patients are currently hospitalised or in isolation.
With 91 deaths among confirmed cases, the overall case fatality rate stands at 17.7%, health authorities say, noting that some data are still being harmonised.
Ituri hardest hit by the epidemic
Geographic analysis of the outbreak confirms that Ituri remains the epicentre of the health crisis. Of the 25 affected health zones, 17 are located in this province—nearly half of Ituri’s 36 health zones.
The affected zones include Aru, Aungba, Bambu, Bunia, Damas, Gety, Kilo, Komanda, Lita, Logo, Mambasa, Mangala, Mongbwalu, Nizi, Nyankunde, Rimba and Rwampara.
This geographic spread reflects the virus’s persistent circulation across several territories within the province, despite surveillance and awareness efforts by response teams.
Active hotspots in North Kivu and South Kivu
Outside Ituri, several health zones in North Kivu and South Kivu continue to record cases. The Katwa health zone remains the main active hotspot with 11 confirmed cases and 8 deaths. It is followed by Beni (5 confirmed cases, 3 deaths), Butembo (4 confirmed, 2 deaths), Miti-Murhesa (3 confirmed, 1 death), Oïcha (2 confirmed, 2 deaths), Kalunguta (1 confirmed, 1 death), Kyondo (1 confirmed, no deaths) and Goma (1 confirmed, no deaths).
Despite the outbreak’s progression, health teams report some encouraging developments. Three confirmed patients have recently been declared recovered. Two left treatment facilities in Bunia, while another was allowed to return home in the Katwa health zone.
The INSP says interventions continue across all affected zones, with special emphasis on infection prevention in health facilities, contact tracing and community awareness.
Health authorities believe that strengthening community trust, early case detection and adherence to preventive measures remain key to breaking transmission chains in the weeks ahead.
