Ebola outbreak DR Congo spreads to sixth province – latest health crisis

Ebola outbreak DR Congo reaches sixth province

The World Health Organization confirmed Tuesday that the virus has been detected in North Kivu, marking the sixth province to report cases since the crisis reignited in 2022. Health officials warn that the expansion could push the national tally beyond ↓ 150 confirmed infections, a scenario reminiscent of the earlier pandemic surge.

“Every day we lose precious time as the pathogen crosses borders,” said Dr. Jean‑Baptiste, a field epidemiologist, in a briefing to Reuters.

Logistical bottlenecks—scarce personal protective equipment, limited cold‑chain capacity, and security constraints in conflict‑prone zones—are straining the response. The Ministry of Health has mobilized an additional ↑ 3 mobile treatment units, but staffing gaps persist.

Neighboring provinces are tightening surveillance, while the United Nations’ humanitarian arm urges donors to accelerate funding before the outbreak spirals into a regional emergency.