The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) announced on Monday that confirmed Ebola deaths have risen to 101, with armed groups continuing to obstruct response efforts in the most affected province. The outbreak of the Bundibugyo strain was declared on May 15, though officials later acknowledged it had gone undetected for weeks, complicating containment efforts.
Outbreak Spreads Across Conflict Zones
The epidemic is unfolding in three provinces long plagued by armed conflict: Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu. In its latest situation report released Monday, the DRC government confirmed 35 new cases in the previous 24 hours, including 10 deaths. This brings the total number of confirmed cases to 550 and confirmed deaths to 101.
Health Zones Affected
Cases have been recorded in 17 health zones in Ituri, seven in North Kivu, and one in South Kivu. The presence of armed groups has severely hampered response activities, with mistrust and resistance leading to attacks on burial teams and treatment centers.
Recent Attack on Burial Team
On Sunday, a burial team was attacked at the Nyamurongo cemetery in Bunia, leaving two people seriously injured and two vehicles damaged, according to a source familiar with the government response. Such incidents continue to hinder efforts to control the outbreak.
