DR Congo Ebola outbreak: Suspected cases exceed 1,000

Outbreak spreads across eastern provinces

The Democratic Republic of Congo's Health Ministry announced Wednesday that suspected Ebola infections have surpassed 1,000 across the country's eastern provinces, with cumulative cases reaching 1,077 since the outbreak began on May 15. The ministry confirmed 121 infections and 17 deaths, noting the virus has spread across 13 health zones in Ituri, North Kivu and South Kivu provinces. "Surveillance, screening and community awareness operations remain intensified despite operational challenges reported in the field," the ministry said in its latest situation report.

Uganda seals border as regional fears mount

Neighboring Uganda has recorded seven cases linked to the current outbreak and announced Wednesday the temporary closure of its border with Congo to prevent further transmission. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has 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 risks of Ebola spread. Public Health Minister Roger Kamba stated approximately 3,600 people have been traced as contacts of infected patients.

WHO raises alert level

The World Health Organization has raised its alert level to "very high" as the epidemic continues to expand beyond Congo's borders. Congolese authorities have suspended social activities including sporting events in Ituri province, identified as the epicenter of the epidemic, to contain transmission. Several regional governments have intensified screening measures and restricted travel from Congo to prevent cross-border spread of the virus.