DR Congo confirms over 100 Ebola cases as infections surge

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Communications Ministry announced on Sunday that confirmed Ebola cases have surpassed 100 across three eastern provinces since the outbreak began on May 15 in Ituri. Health authorities have recorded more than 900 suspected infections in 11 health zones as the virus continues to spread through Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu — all provinces sharing borders with neighboring nations.

Cases surge past 100 across three provinces

The ministry's report issued on Sunday showed that as of May 23, the virus had affected 11 health zones across the country. The outbreak initially emerged in Ituri province before spreading to neighboring North Kivu and South Kivu, complicating containment efforts in a region with porous borders and limited healthcare infrastructure.

Health officials continue surveillance, screening, and awareness campaigns in affected areas to stem transmission. The ministry said that "vigilance and adherence to prevention measures remain essential" as authorities work to trace contacts and isolate confirmed cases in the densely populated region.

Virus detected in neighboring Uganda

The World Health Organization has confirmed at least seven deaths in the Democratic Republic of Congo since the outbreak began last month. The UN health agency raised its alert level to "very high" as the epidemic shows no signs of slowing, with Congolese authorities struggling to contain the highly infectious pathogen in densely populated urban centers.

Three new cases emerged in Uganda on Saturday, bringing the total confirmed infections there to five since the current outbreak started, according to the Health Ministry. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention warned that ten countries — including Rwanda, Kenya, Tanzania, Angola, Burundi, the Central African Republic, the Republic of Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan, and Zambia — face elevated risk of cross-border transmission.

Authorities suspend activities as neighbors tighten borders

Congolese authorities have suspended social activities in Ituri province, including sports events and public gatherings, to prevent further spread of the virus. Several neighboring countries have intensified preventive measures and restricted travel from the Democratic Republic of Congo, implementing enhanced screening at border crossings to detect potential cases before they enter their territories.