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DR Congo Ebola outbreak hits 1,502 cases and 473 deaths
The Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed 1,502 Ebola infections, including 473 deaths, as the World Health Organization warns the outbreak remains severe. The majority of cases are in the eastern provinces of Ituri and North Kivu, where insecurity and armed groups impede contact tracing. About 628 patients are in isolation or hospital care, 229 have recovered, and 213 suspected cases have been logged, 63 of which were fatal. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo strain, has a case‑fatality ratio of roughly 31.5 % and is the largest recorded for this variant. A clinical trial testing experimental treatments has begun enrolling patients in the DRC, though no approved vaccine or specific therapy exists. The virus has crossed the border into Uganda, where 20 cases have been confirmed, including two deaths. Health workers have also been affected, with 96 infections reported by Africa CDC. The United Nations estimates the epidemic could cost Africa $3.6 billion and threaten jobs if not contained.