The Congo Ebola outbreak is spreading beyond its eastern epicentre, with infections rising sharply in other provinces despite signs of improvement in Ituri.
KINSHASA: The Congo Ebola outbreak is spreading rapidly beyond its eastern epicentre, raising fresh concern among African health authorities as infections increase in neighbouring provinces while responders struggle with conflict, displacement and pressure on health services.
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warned on September 10 that although cases and deaths have recently declined in Ituri province, the outbreak’s epicentre, transmission is increasing sharply in North Kivu and Haut-Uele.
Cases climb above 6,800
Latest government figures cited by the Associated Press show 6,843 cases and 3,310 deaths have been reported.
Ituri continues to account for the majority of infections. Earlier official surveillance data showed 5,406 confirmed cases in the province as of September 7, but transmission there had declined after reaching a peak in August.
The wider outbreak is caused by the Bundibugyo virus, a species of Ebola virus.
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North Kivu sees worrying rise
North Kivu has emerged as a growing concern.
Health authorities have recorded sustained increases in transmission there, while Haut-Uele is also continuing to report infections. The outbreak has affected multiple provinces and dozens of health zones across the Democratic Republic of Congo.
The Congo Ebola outbreak has become the largest recorded Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak and the second-largest Ebola disease outbreak on record.
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Conflict makes outbreak harder to contain
Containing the virus is particularly challenging in areas affected by armed conflict and large-scale population displacement.
High population movement can complicate contact tracing and increase the risk of infected people travelling between communities. Health worker shortages and pressure on treatment facilities are adding to the challenge.
The World Health Organization warned earlier this week that thousands more health workers and additional treatment capacity were needed to strengthen the response.
Uganda outbreak has ended
There is some encouraging news across the border.
WHO and Africa CDC declared the Ebola outbreak in Uganda over on August 27, following a period without new infections. Uganda recorded 20 confirmed cases, including two deaths, with most cases imported from Congo.
However, the continuing spread inside Congo means neighbouring countries remain alert to possible cross-border transmission.
Why health authorities remain concerned
The speed and geographic reach of the Congo Ebola outbreak are making containment increasingly complex.
Stopping transmission depends on rapidly identifying infections, isolating patients, tracing contacts, conducting safe burials and maintaining community trust, all of which become harder when cases are spread across large and insecure areas.
Impact to expect
The widening outbreak could increase pressure on Congo’s already stretched healthcare system and prompt neighbouring countries to strengthen surveillance, border health measures and preparedness as authorities work to contain further transmission.
