WHO Sounds Alarm as Ebola Spreads to New Zones Across DRC Provinces

The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned that the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the northeastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is expanding rapidly, with new infections being detected across multiple provinces. Health officials said the outbreak, which was officially declared on May 15, has continued to spread beyond its original epicentre in Ituri province and has now affected parts of North Kivu and South Kivu as well. The WHO noted that the increasing geographic spread of the disease reflects both the scale of the outbreak and the high mobility of populations within the region.

According to the latest WHO figures, the DRC has recorded 676 confirmed Ebola cases and 136 deaths since the outbreak began. Authorities have also identified 119 suspected cases, while 32 patients have recovered. The outbreak is being caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus, for which there are currently no approved vaccines or specific treatments. Health experts say this has made containment efforts more challenging compared to previous outbreaks involving other Ebola strains.

WHO epidemiology and analytics response chief Olivier le Polain said cases are being reported in new health zones almost every day. Speaking from Beni in North Kivu province, he explained that while earlier infections in newly affected areas could largely be linked to travel from existing hotspots, authorities are now observing local community transmission. He added that several high-risk areas remain under-monitored, meaning the true scale of the outbreak may be significantly larger than current data suggests.

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The international health agency stressed that contact tracing efforts have improved in recent weeks but remain below the level needed to effectively contain the virus. Officials reported that just over 70 percent of identified contacts are currently being monitored, a notable improvement from previous weeks but still insufficient to ensure complete outbreak control. WHO representatives emphasized that stronger surveillance systems and broader public health interventions are urgently required.

Another major concern highlighted by the WHO is the shortage of isolation facilities. The affected provinces currently have around 250 isolation beds available, a number health experts believe is far below anticipated requirements if the outbreak continues to grow. Officials warned that without adequate treatment and isolation capacity, efforts to prevent further transmission will become increasingly difficult despite improvements in case detection and monitoring.

The outbreak has also crossed international borders, with neighbouring Uganda reporting 19 confirmed cases and two deaths linked to the virus. While the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has described Uganda's situation as being under control, health authorities remain on high alert. The WHO has urged governments, aid agencies and international partners to increase support for containment measures as the region works to prevent further spread of one of the world's deadliest infectious diseases.

Also Read: Rare Ebola Strain With No Vaccine Spreads Across Congo and Uganda, Cases Outpace Response