DR Congo Ebola outbreak kills over 300, first case confirmed in France

The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has risen to 304 deaths among 1,155 confirmed infections, with 95% of hospital beds already occupied. The epidemic, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain, continues to spread in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu.

Neighbouring Uganda has reported 20 cases, and health officials warn of a high risk of further spread to South Sudan, which has weak health‑system capacity. International agencies are reinforcing surveillance and preparedness along border corridors.

France recorded its first Ebola case outside Africa: a humanitarian doctor returning from the DRC was isolated in a French hospital and is reported to be in stable condition. Contacts are under a 21‑day home quarantine. The DRC government has imposed a 21‑day quarantine for anyone travelling from affected provinces.

Clinical trials of experimental treatments, including the antiviral remdesivir (manufactured in the US and Egypt) and the monoclonal antibody product MBP134, are set to begin in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province, in the coming week.