Congo Ebola outbreak spreads to three new health zones in North Kivu and Ituri, confirmed cases rise to 676 with 136 deaths

Congo’s Ebola outbreak has spread to three new health zones, according to a government report published on Thursday (June 11) that showed the number of confirmed cases had risen to 676, including 136 deaths.The figure represented the total number of confirmed cases as of Wednesday (June 10), the health minister said in a post on X.

The new health zones impacted by the outbreak were in North Kivu and Ituri, the report said.
The health ministry said Tchomia, about 50 kilometres south of the provincial capital Bunia on the shores of Lake Albert, has become the latest affected health zone, bringing the total number of affected zones to 26 nationwide and 18 in Ituri province, which accounts for more than 94% of confirmed cases.A health zone in Congo’s healthcare system covers a defined area with a network of clinics and a referral hospital, covering around 100,000 to 150,000 people. There are over 500 health zones in the country.

The epidemic, caused by the rare Bundibugyo strain of the virus, for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment, was declared on May 15. It has since spread across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, regions marked by insecurity, displacement and cross-border movement.