Death Toll in DRC Ebola Outbreak Reaches 80 as Lethality Rate Soars

At least 80 people have died in the Democratic Republic of the Congo’s latest Ebola outbreak. Authorities have recorded nearly 250 suspected cases, and one death has been reported in neighbouring Uganda. The outbreak was confirmed in Ituri province, which borders Uganda and South Sudan. Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba warned that the Bundibugyo strain carries no vaccine or specific treatment and can be up to 50% lethal. He said a nurse in the provincial capital, Bunia, who reported symptoms on April 24, is believed to be the index case. Only 13 blood samples have been tested at the national biomedical research institute; eight confirmed the Bundibugyo strain, while five could not be analysed. Medical aid groups such as MSF and the IFRC are actively responding to contain the spread. The Africa CDC cautioned that high population density, frequent cross-border travel and logistical hurdles could drive rapid transmission. Officials stress the need for timely, coordinated action and strong community engagement to halt the epidemic.

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