GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – The World Health Organization reports a decrease in Ebola transmission in some of the most affected regions of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. This positive trend is particularly evident in parts of Ituri province, which has been the epicenter of the outbreak. Nevertheless, the epidemic continues to spread into new areas. According to official data through Sept. 13, there have been 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths across seven provinces, with the case fatality ratio at the national level reaching 48.4%.
Since May, South Kivu has reported no new cases, and the country is seeing an overall rise in recoveries. By Sept. 13, the Democratic Republic of the Congo had documented 1,726 recoveries. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus described the latest developments as promising signs following months of rapid transmission, though he emphasized that the epidemic still causes fatalities and continues to expand. The outbreak now impacts 62 health zones, revealing significant disparities between the affected provinces.
Despite a recent decline in transmission, Ituri remains the focal point of the outbreak. Officials report approximately 300 new cases and 160 deaths in that region during the most recent weekly period. These figures constitute nearly half of the national case count for that period. Conversely, North Kivu is experiencing a surge, with weekly cases nearly doubling over two weeks—from around 100 to over 200—as health teams monitor expanding transmission in that province.
Increase in North Kivu cases coincides with decline in Ituri
The ongoing epidemic involves Bundibugyo virus disease, a form of Ebola that has affected a broad geographic area since May. Ituri remains the most heavily impacted province in terms of cumulative cases, while North Kivu has become the second most affected. Haut-Uélé continues to report transmission, and the outbreak has recently extended to Sud-Ubangi, bringing the total affected provinces to seven. This expansion follows months of new cases being recorded across northeastern and central regions of the country.
Health teams are engaged in clinical research as part of their response efforts, conducting trials on treatments and post-exposure prophylaxis, especially as community engagement improves. The response strategy includes surveillance, laboratory testing, contact tracing, isolation, and clinical management. Authorities continue to observe infection patterns closely because transmission varies widely between provinces and health zones. This uneven distribution means that while some areas experience a decline, others see rapid increases in cases.
Ongoing efforts persist across multiple health zones
Coordinated efforts involve national health agencies, WHO, Africa CDC, and numerous partner organizations collaborating with frontline medical teams. Persistent insecurity and population displacement hinder access in several affected regions, limiting surveillance, contact tracing, and timely medical care. Challenges also arise in mining communities, informal settlements, and displacement sites, where health services, sanitation, and infrastructure are often insufficient. Response teams continue operating both in urban centers and remote communities.
Recent data indicate some progress in specific areas, yet transmission remains intense across the Democratic Republic of the Congo. South Kivu has been free of new cases for months, and Ituri shows signs of reduced transmission from previous high levels. Meanwhile, North Kivu continues to see a sharp rise in weekly infections. Authorities are tracking each affected zone independently, as the epidemic exhibits diverse patterns throughout the country. The more than 3,500 confirmed deaths underscore the ongoing magnitude of the outbreak.