The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ebola epidemic has surpassed 6,000 confirmed cases, making it the largest outbreak in the country’s history.
Government data released Monday showed 6,041 confirmed infections and 2,911 deaths. Updated figures from Aug. 31 reported 6,100 cases and 2,950 deaths, reflecting an increase of 59 new cases and 39 deaths since the previous day.
The epidemic is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, which currently has no approved vaccines or treatments. Authorities said 814 patients remain hospitalized in isolation, while 1,383 have recovered.
Most new cases have been reported in Ituri province, with additional infections in North Kivu, Haut-Uele, and Bas Uele. Overall, 60 of 151 health zones across six provinces are affected.
Officials noted that 86.3% of identified case contacts are under follow-up, a critical step in containment efforts. Data on confirmed cases and deaths remain under continuous review and harmonization.
This outbreak surpasses the country’s previous worst epidemic, which lasted from 2018 to 2020, underscoring the urgent need for international support and medical innovation to combat the Bundibugyo strain.
