Democratic Republic of the Congo records over 7,000 Ebola cases

The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has recorded 7,022 Ebola cases and 3,398 deaths since the current outbreak began in May. While the virus has spread to a seventh province, including South-Ubangi, government spokesman Patrick Muyaya stated that the epidemic likely peaked during the third week of August.

Indicators suggest a progressive reduction in new infections, with 10 of the 61 affected health zones reporting no new cases for at least 21 days. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has been particularly difficult to contain in remote and conflict-affected areas due to limited health infrastructure and weak state presence.

In Ituri Province, where the majority of cases are concentrated, the return of students to school has raised significant concerns. Health authorities and school officials have implemented preventive measures, such as mandatory hand washing, limiting classroom sizes, and discouraging physical contact to prevent further transmission.