DR Congo’s Ebola cases rise to 3,200 as UN warns outbreak is expanding

The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has climbed to 3,200, as the outbreak continues to spread across the country, the United Nations said on Monday. Speaking at a press briefing at UN headquarters, Farhan Haq, Deputy Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General António Guterres, warned that the growing number of infections and deaths is placing increasing pressure on the country’s healthcare system and the international response.

« As of July 25, national health authorities had reported 3,200 confirmed Ebola cases in the provinces of Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uele and Tshopo, » Haq said. He added that more than 100 new confirmed cases were reported for the second consecutive day, highlighting the rapid spread of the outbreak.

UN agencies step up response

The United Nations and its partners continue to support Congolese health authorities through disease surveillance, contact tracing, laboratory testing and patient care. The World Food Programme (WFP) has delivered more than 140,000 hot meals and food assistance to over 23,000 patients, contacts and vulnerable people affected by the outbreak in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu. Meanwhile, UNICEF and its partners have conducted more than 27,000 household visits to help identify suspected cases and strengthen community-based monitoring in affected areas.

Death toll reaches 1,405

According to the latest situation report released by Congolese health authorities on Sunday, the Ebola outbreak has now claimed 1,405 lives. The current outbreak was officially declared on May 15 and is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the Ebola virus. Initially detected in Ituri Province in northeastern DRC, it has since spread to five additional provinces, raising concerns over its continued expansion despite ongoing containment efforts.

Health authorities and international partners are urging continued vigilance as they intensify efforts to curb transmission and prevent further spread of the deadly virus.