DRC Ebola cases rise to 1,274, 96 health workers infected - Africa CDC

The worsening Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has now reached 1,274 confirmed cases, with infections among healthcare workers climbing to 96, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Wazih Cho, a Data Analyst and Epidemic Intelligence Officer at Africa CDC, reported during a webinar that in the last 24 hours, 47 new confirmed cases and 12 deaths were recorded in the DRC. Équateur Province accounted for 96% of these new cases, making it the epicenter of the current transmission. "Cumulative figures now stand at 1,274 confirmed cases with 360 deaths, indicating sustained transmission at the provincial level," Cho stated.

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In the past 24 hours, 47 new confirmed Ebola cases and 12 deaths were reported in the DRC, 96 per cent of which originated in Équateur Province.

Exposure within health facilities is a significant factor in the spread, with 92 healthcare workers infected in the DRC and four in Uganda. Confirmed cases have now been reported across 35 health zones in the DRC, signifying a widespread transmission beyond the initial outbreak area. Uganda has cumulatively recorded 20 confirmed cases, primarily spillover from the DRC, including 15 imported cases and four infections among healthcare workers, resulting in two fatalities. Uganda has not reported new Ebola cases since June 21, though surveillance continues.

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Cumulative figures now stand at 1,274 confirmed cases with 360 deaths, indicating sustained transmission at the provincial level.

Within Équateur Province, 23 out of 36 health areas have confirmed cases, indicating ongoing community transmission. North Kivu, bordering Équateur and Uganda, is also reporting cases. South Kivu has not had new infections for at least 30 days. Alerts from Tshopo Province, bordering Ituri and South Sudan, indicate the outbreak may have spread further, with two confirmed male cases recorded between June 9 and June 23.

The epidemic curve suggests that the initial positive case was detected late, after community transmission had already begun. Modeling projects continued case increases over the next three weeks, with a small number of health zones responsible for approximately 80% of confirmed cases. Several treatment centers are operating beyond capacity, prompting the mobilization of over 20,000 community health workers to bolster case detection, contact tracing, and community sensitization efforts.

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For Uganda, cumulatively we have 20 confirmed cases, mostly spillover from DRC. That includes 15 imported cases, four healthcare worker infections, and two fatalities.