The death toll from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has risen to 136, Health Minister Roger Kamba announced on Tuesday. Authorities have recorded 543 suspected cases nationwide, including 32 laboratory-confirmed infections, with all deaths classified as probable Ebola-related cases.
The outbreak, which was declared on May 15, is the country’s 17th since 1976 and is centred in Ituri Province, with additional cases reported in neighbouring North Kivu Province. Health officials say 69 patients are currently receiving treatment, while response measures including contact tracing, isolation and enhanced surveillance have been intensified to contain the spread.
The outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo strain, for which no strain-specific vaccine or approved treatment exists, raising concerns about containment challenges. The World Health Organization has declared the outbreak a public health emergency of international concern, while the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has classified it as a continental public health emergency.
Neighbouring countries including Rwanda, Burundi and Tanzania have strengthened border surveillance and preparedness measures as the situation continues to evolve.