Ebola Cases Cross 8,000 in DR Congo as Contact-Tracing Efforts Decline
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DR Congo) is facing a renewed rise in Ebola infections, with health authorities reporting more than 8,000 confirmed cases amid concerns over gaps in contact tracing and delayed detection of patients.
According to the latest update from the country’s Health Ministry, the cumulative number of confirmed Ebola cases has reached 8,067, while 3,901 people have died since the outbreak was declared in mid-May.
The reported case fatality rate currently stands at 48.4%.
Ituri Remains the Main Epicentre
The outbreak has spread across 63 health zones in seven provinces, including Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Bas-Uele, Tshopo and South-Ubangi.
Ituri province remains the hardest-hit area, accounting for around 76.4% of all reported cases since the beginning of the outbreak.
Health authorities said several recent deaths occurred in communities rather than Ebola treatment centres, particularly in Ituri and North Kivu. Officials linked the deaths to difficulties in identifying and treating infected people at an early stage.
Contact Tracing Rate Falls
Another concern is a decline in contact-tracing coverage. The latest figure has dropped to 79.2%, compared with 83.4% previously.
Effective contact tracing is considered an important part of containing Ebola because health workers can identify people who may have been exposed to infected patients and monitor them for symptoms.
The authorities also reported continued transmission in Haut-Uele, while fresh transmission has been detected again in Tshopo province.
WHO Warns of Cross-Border Risk
The World Health Organisation (WHO) has warned that the geographical spread of the virus is increasing the possibility of cross-border transmission.
Newly affected areas, including South-Ubangi and Haut-Uele, have added to concerns about the outbreak spreading beyond currently affected communities.
The WHO also highlighted the rising fatality rate and the growing number of people dying outside treatment facilities as signs of the seriousness of the outbreak.
Billions Mobilised for Response
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said at least $2.9 billion has been mobilised for Ebola response activities across the African region.
Health authorities and international organisations continue to focus on detecting cases, tracing contacts, treating patients and limiting further transmission as the outbreak remains active.
