GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – World Health Organization reports that Ebola transmission is decreasing in some of the hardest-hit areas within the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The most significant improvement is observed in parts of Ituri province, which is the outbreak’s epicenter. Nonetheless, the epidemic continues to spread in other regions. As of September 13, official data indicated 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths across seven provinces, with a national case fatality ratio of 48.4%.
Since May, South Kivu has reported no new cases, and more patients are recovering nationwide. According to official figures, 1,726 recoveries had been documented in the Democratic Republic of the Congo by Sept. 13. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described recent trends as promising after months of rapid transmission. However, he emphasized that the outbreak continues to grow and cause fatalities. Currently, the epidemic affects 62 health zones, illustrating significant disparities between the impacted provinces.
Ituri remains the primary focus despite a recent decline in transmission rates. During the latest weekly period, health officials recorded around 300 new cases and 160 deaths there, accounting for nearly half of the national total for that period. Conversely, North Kivu has seen an upward trend, with weekly infections nearly doubling over two weeks—from about 100 cases to over 200—as health teams monitor the expanding spread.
Increase in North Kivu cases contrasts with Ituri’s decline
The outbreak involves Bundibugyo virus disease, a variant of Ebola that has dispersed over a broad area since May. Ituri accounts for most cumulative cases, while North Kivu has become the second most affected province. Haut-Uélé continues to report transmission, and the outbreak has recently expanded to Sud-Ubangi, raising the total affected provinces to seven. This expansion follows months of new cases appearing in northeastern and central regions of the country.
Community-based clinical research is a key component of the ongoing response. Trials involving treatments and post-exposure prophylaxis have ramped up as community participation improves. Strategies include surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, isolation, and clinical management. Monitoring infection patterns remains vital because transmission varies significantly across provinces and health zones. The uneven situation means case reductions in one area can coincide with surges elsewhere.
Ongoing efforts across multiple health zones
The response mobilizes national health agencies, WHO, Africa CDC, and numerous partner organizations working alongside frontline healthcare teams. Ongoing insecurity and population displacement hinder access in several affected areas, complicating surveillance, contact tracing, and timely medical care. Mining communities, informal settlements, and displacement sites pose operational challenges due to limited health services, sanitation, and infrastructure. Response teams continue their work across both urban centers and remote locations.
Recent figures reflect progress in some regions, but heavy transmission persists across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. South Kivu remains free of new cases for months, and Ituri has seen reduced transmission from prior high levels. Meanwhile, North Kivu reports a sharp increase in weekly infections. Authorities track each affected region separately because the epidemic’s dynamics vary countrywide. Over 3,500 confirmed deaths highlight the outbreak’s ongoing severity.