Daijiworld Media Network - Kinshasa

Kinshasa, Jun 8: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is facing a worsening Ebola outbreak, with the number of confirmed infections rising to 515 and the death toll reaching 91, according to the latest update from the country's health authorities.

Data released by the health ministry on Sunday indicated that the outbreak continues to spread across affected regions, prompting officials to warn that the number of cases could increase significantly unless urgent containment measures are strengthened.

The ministry reported that three additional patients had recovered from the disease, bringing the total number of recoveries to 12 as of June 6. At the same time, 117 suspected cases remain under investigation, while 283 confirmed patients are currently in isolation or receiving treatment in healthcare facilities.

Health officials noted that a substantial cluster of infections emerged between May 14 and May 23, suggesting exposure to a possible common source of contamination. The highest concentration of symptom onset was recorded on May 18. A second wave of infections was identified among patients who developed symptoms between May 25 and June 3, indicating ongoing community transmission and the potential emergence of new infection reservoirs.

Authorities cautioned that the outbreak could accelerate if control efforts are not rapidly intensified.

The response has been complicated by several operational challenges, including inadequate contact tracing, resistance from some communities to post-mortem testing, shortages of medical supplies required for infection prevention and control, limited treatment capacity, and funding constraints.

One of the most significant concerns remains the low rate of contact monitoring. According to the ministry, only about half of identified contacts in the three affected provinces are currently being followed up, far below the target level needed to effectively contain the virus.

Laboratory services are also under strain. Officials reported that nearly 200 test samples remain pending due to a shortage of diagnostic reagents in North Kivu, raising concerns about delays in identifying and isolating infected individuals.

The current outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo Ebola virus strain, was officially declared by the Ministry of Public Health of the Democratic Republic of the Congo on May 15.

Public health experts have repeatedly stressed that rapid case detection, effective contact tracing, adequate medical resources and strong community engagement are critical to preventing further transmission and bringing the outbreak under control. As the number of infections continues to rise, authorities are intensifying efforts to contain the disease and prevent its spread to additional regions.