More than 500 suspected Ebola cases reported in Congo, Uganda

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Kinshasa: The Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain continues to raise concern in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and Uganda, with health authorities intensifying response efforts as suspected cases and deaths increase.

According to the latest situation report, a total of 528 suspected Ebola cases, including 132 deaths, have been recorded across the two countries. In Uganda, 12 suspected cases were reported, of which two were confirmed through laboratory testing while the remaining cases tested negative.

Health officials have identified 668 contacts linked to the outbreak, including 541 in the DRC and 127 in Uganda. However, authorities say contact tracing remains difficult in some parts of eastern DRC due to insecurity and movement restrictions. Surveillance, laboratory testing and case investigations are being expanded as the situation evolves rapidly.

In response to the outbreak, the DRC has deployed 38 experts to Bunia, including 20 officials from the Ministry of Health and 18 specialists from the World Health Organization. More than 17 tons of emergency supplies, including protective equipment, medicines, tents and stretchers, have also been delivered to support frontline operations.

Laboratory capacity is being strengthened through the deployment of mobile laboratories and testing teams to affected areas in order to improve diagnosis and monitoring efforts.

The World Health Organisation, together with the Alliance for International Medical Action and other partners, is also increasing community outreach and risk communication campaigns to ensure local populations remain actively involved in containment measures and public health response efforts.