GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – World Health Organization reports that Ebola transmission shows signs of decline in some of the most affected regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The most notable improvements are seen in parts of Ituri province, the primary hotspot of the outbreak. Despite this progress, the epidemic continues to spread in other regions. Official data up to Sept. 13 indicates 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths across seven provinces, with the national case fatality rate standing at 48.4%.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus highlighted that recent trends offer encouraging signs following months of rapid transmission. He emphasized, however, that the epidemic still results in deaths and continues to expand, now affecting 62 health zones, reflecting marked differences between impacted provinces. South Kivu has not reported new cases since May, while more patients are recovering nationwide. By Sept. 13, 1,726 recoveries had been officially recorded in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Despite the recent drop in transmission, Ituri remains the outbreak’s primary epicenter, with approximately 300 new cases and 160 deaths reported there during the latest weekly reporting period. These figures accounted for nearly half of the country’s total cases during that time. Conversely, North Kivu has experienced a surge, with weekly infections nearly doubling over two weeks—from around 100 cases to over 200—as health teams monitor the expanding transmission.
Increased Cases in North Kivu Coincide with Decline in Ituri
The ongoing epidemic involves Bundibugyo virus disease, a form of Ebola that has spread over a broad geographic area since May. While Ituri accounts for the majority of cases overall, North Kivu has now become the second most affected province. Haut-Uélé remains active, and the outbreak has recently reached Sud-Ubangi, resulting in seven affected provinces. This expansion followed months of new cases documented across northeastern and central regions of the country.
Health teams are actively involved in clinical research as part of the overall response, conducting trials related to treatments and post-exposure prophylaxis. Community participation has increased, supporting surveillance efforts, laboratory testing, contact tracing, isolation, and patient care. Officials continue to observe infection patterns carefully, as transmission rates vary considerably between provinces and health zones. The differing trends—declines in some areas and surges in others—highlight the unpredictable nature of the outbreak.
Continued Efforts in Multiple Affected Regions
The response involves collaboration among national health authorities, WHO, Africa CDC, and numerous partner organizations working alongside frontline healthcare workers. Challenges remain, as insecurity and population displacement hinder access in several affected zones, complicating surveillance, contact tracing, and timely delivery of medical services. Mining communities, informal settlements, and displacement sites present additional operational difficulties due to limited health infrastructure, sanitation, and services. Response teams are active across both urban centers and remote communities.
While several locations show tangible progress, the Democratic Republic of the Congo still faces substantial transmission levels. South Kivu has been free of new cases for months, and Ituri reports a decline from previously high transmission levels. Meanwhile, North Kivu continues to experience a sharp rise in weekly infections. Authorities are monitoring each affected area individually, as the epidemic follows diverse patterns within the country. More than 3,500 confirmed deaths emphasize the ongoing scope of this outbreak.