Congo Health Ministry Reports 1,274 Ebola Cases, 360 Fatalities

The Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ministry of Health announced on Tuesday that the total number of confirmed Ebola virus disease cases has risen to 1,274, with 360 deaths recorded since the outbreak began. The figures were released during a briefing in Kinshasa and reflect data collected from the eastern provinces of North Kivu, Ituri and South Kivu, where the disease has been most active. Health officials said the latest numbers include both laboratory‑confirmed cases and deaths, and that response teams continue to conduct contact tracing, vaccination campaigns and community education to curb further spread.

The outbreak, first identified in August 2022, has been the country’s ninth Ebola episode and the longest‑running in its history. Eastern Congo has been plagued by armed conflict for decades, involving government forces, rebel groups and foreign militias, which hampers humanitarian access and complicates disease control efforts. The region’s instability has contributed to repeated displacements, limited health infrastructure, and challenges in delivering vaccines and medical supplies to remote villages.

International partners, including the World Health Organization and the United Nations, are supporting the Congolese response with medical personnel, laboratory capacity and logistical assistance. Despite these efforts, the Ministry warned that the epidemic remains a serious public health threat, urging communities to cooperate with health workers and adhere to preventive measures.