Over the past five decades, Ebola has claimed more than 15,000 lives across Africa. The Democratic Republic of Congo experienced its most devastating outbreak between 2018 and 2020, which resulted in nearly 2,300 fatalities among 3,500 recorded cases.
In the current **Ebola outbreak DRC**, officially declared on May 15, a grim toll of 506 deaths and 1,561 confirmed cases has been registered within the Democratic Republic of Congo. Meanwhile, neighboring Uganda has maintained its count at two deaths from 20 confirmed infections.
Significant progress is being made on the medical front. A clinical trial for two treatments targeting the Bundibugyo strain, identified as the cause of this epidemic, commenced last week. Additionally, emergency use authorization has been granted for the first molecular diagnostic test for the virus, marking a crucial step in rapid detection.
High Fatality Rate
The epicenter of this escalating health crisis, whose true extent remains challenging to ascertain and which could persist for months, is situated in Ituri province. This northeastern Congolese province shares borders with South Sudan and Uganda.
In the mining town of Mongbwalu, believed to be the starting point of the current epidemic, the exceptionally high fatality rate of 50.7% signals persistent challenges in ensuring early patient care or adequate access to medical services for those affected.
The virus has also spread to the nearby provinces of Nord-Kivu and Sud-Kivu. In these regions, provincial capitals and extensive territories are under the control of the anti-governmental armed group M23.
Authorities in Nord-Kivu consider the mortality rate there, at 57.4%, to be particularly concerning, as it significantly surpasses the average. Conversely, the Sud-Kivu province has not reported any confirmed cases since May 26.
Last week, the M23’s health authorities announced that the epidemic had been eradicated in the territories they control. However, independent verification of this claim has not been possible.
Following this announcement, cross-border exchanges between eastern DRC and neighboring Rwanda partially resumed. This development occurred after several weeks during which border posts had been closed.
Transnational movement is common in this part of the world, particularly for trade. Many Congolese residents from the region also travel to Rwanda to fly from Kigali, a necessity since the M23’s closure of Goma airport in early 2025.
