DR Congo Ebola outbreak death toll reaches 600

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s ongoing Ebola outbreak has reached a grim milestone, with the death toll hitting 600, according to data released Wednesday by the national health authorities. Confirmed cases have climbed to 1,759 as community transmission continues across three eastern provinces, primarily in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu—though the virus has now been detected in a new area, Tshopo province.

Virus spreads to new province

The latest update confirmed two cases in Kisangani, the capital of Tshopo province, linked to the Nia‑Nia health zone in Ituri. This marks the first spread outside the original outbreak zone. The epidemic, caused by the Bundibugyo virus strain, has concentrated in 37 health zones, with Ituri bearing the heaviest burden: more than 90 percent of cases and 84 percent of deaths since the outbreak was declared on May 15.

Alarming trends in case detection

Some 750 people have recovered, while 285 remain in care. The World Health Organization Regional Office for Africa noted that the outbreak is marked by a growing number of community deaths and continued spread into previously unaffected areas. Among 430 confirmed deaths investigated as of July 5, approximately 400 occurred before patients reached treatment facilities—revealing persistent delays in surveillance, referral and clinical access. WHO warned that surveillance and referral systems continue to lag behind transmission.