Congo says number of confirmed Ebola cases rises to nearly 600

GOMA, Democratic Republic of the Congo — The Democratic Republic of the Congo said Tuesday that confirmed cases of Ebola virus disease have climbed to nearly 600, raising concern among residents and reinforcing calls for stricter adherence to public health measures.

The outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola virus disease was first announced on May 15. Health officials have since acknowledged that the virus circulated undetected for weeks, leaving response teams behind the curve and struggling to contain its spread.

The outbreak is unfolding across three conflict-affected provinces — Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu — in what is considered one of the largest Ebola outbreaks in recent years in the region.

In its latest statement published on X, the government said confirmed cases had risen to 598, including 115 deaths. It also reported 22 recoveries and said new infections had not expanded into additional health zones.

Cases have been recorded in 17 health zones in Ituri, seven in North Kivu, and one in South Kivu, according to official data.

Authorities urged the public to seek immediate medical attention if symptoms appear, including fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or severe weakness. “If you have a fever, vomiting, diarrhea, or severe weakness, you should go to the nearest health center immediately,” the statement said, adding that communities should follow health workers’ instructions and avoid any form of interference with response teams.

Mistrust and resistance have continued to hamper containment efforts, with reports of attacks on burial teams and treatment centers in affected areas.

Medical workers also face shortages of essential protective equipment, limiting their ability to safely treat patients and prevent further transmission, according to more than a dozen doctors, humanitarian workers, and public health officials.

The International Rescue Committee on Tuesday called for increased funding to help contain the outbreak in Ituri province before it spreads further. -Reporting by Fiston Mahamba; Writing by Anait Miridzhanian, Editing by Franklin Paul/Reuters