Congo’s latest Ebola outbreak has expanded into another health zone in the northeastern province of Ituri, authorities said on Wednesday, signalling continued transmission more than three weeks after the epidemic was declared.
Health officials confirmed that Tchomia, a lakeside zone about 50 kilometres south of Bunia, is now affected bringing the total to 26 health zones nationwide, including 18 in Ituri, which accounts for more than 94 percent of all confirmed infections. In Congo’s health system, a health zone covers a defined area supported by clinics and a referral hospital.
The government’s latest situation report recorded 37 new confirmed cases in the past 24 hours, including 12 deaths, all in Ituri. The outbreak has now reached 635 confirmed cases and 127 deaths across three eastern provinces.
The epidemic is driven by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola a rare variant for which there is no approved vaccine or specific treatment. Since being declared on May 15, the virus has spread across Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu, regions already struggling with insecurity, displacement and frequent cross‑border movement.
Eight more patients were newly declared recovered, bringing total recoveries to 30. Treatment operations are underway at Ebola centres in Bunia and Rwampara, where response teams are working to contain further spread.
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