DR Congo Ebola cases rise to 676, including 136 deaths

The Democratic Republic of Congo has reported an escalating Ebola epidemic, with confirmed cases reaching 676 and 136 deaths as of June 11. The outbreak, declared on May 15, is primarily centered in the Ituri province, which accounts for the majority of infections. The disease has also spread to North and South Kivu provinces, with new health zones reporting cases.

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the Ministry of Health indicated that 629 cases are concentrated in the provinces of Ituri -epicenter of the outbreak-, while 44 are counted in North Kivu and three in South Kivu.

Authorities confirmed that 32 patients have recovered and been discharged, while 260 individuals remain hospitalized or in isolation. The epidemic, linked to the Bundibugyo strain, carries a significant fatality rate of 30% to 50%. The World Health Organization (WHO) considers the risk of an outbreak in sub-Saharan Africa to be high, though the global risk is assessed as low.

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three new health zones are affected by the disease in the towns of Masereka and Vuhovi in North Kivu and Kambala in Ituri, which are added to the 26 health areas previously affected.

The WHO declared the situation a "public health emergency of international concern" on May 17, estimating the virus began circulating in Ituri approximately two months prior to the official declaration. Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids of infected individuals or animals, causing severe hemorrhagic fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and internal bleeding.

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two more people recovered from Ebola, bringing the total number of discharged patients to 32, while 260 people are hospitalized or in isolation.