CONTINENTAL HEALTH CRISIS: Ebola Death Toll in DR Congo Crosses 600 in Three Days
Image Source: Free Malaysia Today
The Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo has claimed 600 lives, according to figures published by the World Health Organization on Thursday – a figure that rose from 500 in just three days. Since the outbreak was declared on 15 May in mineral-rich Ituri province, there have been 1,759 confirmed cases in the DRC, with a case fatality rate of 34 percent. A further two deaths have been recorded in neighbouring Uganda, where the outbreak has registered 20 confirmed cases.
The DRC’s 17th Ebola outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo species of the virus, for which no approved vaccines or treatments currently exist. Clinical trials of two potential treatments – the monoclonal antibody MBP134 and the antiviral drug remdesivir – began in the DRC on 2 July, being evaluated individually and in combination. The outbreak has spread to a new province, with a suspected case now under investigation outside of the initial Ituri epicentre. Armed conflict in the region has significantly complicated containment efforts.
Of the 1,759 confirmed cases in the DRC, 285 patients have recovered, while 304 suspected cases remain under investigation. The WHO has described the speed of case growth as deeply alarming.
Key facts:
– 600 confirmed deaths and 1,759 confirmed cases recorded since 15 May 2026, with a 34% case fatality rate (WHO / African Insider / IOL)
– The outbreak involves the Bundibugyo Ebola strain, for which no approved vaccine or treatment exists (African Insider)
– Clinical trials of two experimental treatments – MBP134 and remdesivir – began in the DRC on 2 July 2026 (African Insider)
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