Ebola surged in Congo’s North Kivu, filling all 29 beds at Butembo’s Kitatumba centre. Two new centres opened this week, taking the total to four. WHO says cases there have declined in recent days, but the province accounts for about a third of new cases and deaths.
Government data showed 7,820 confirmed cases and 3,779 deaths nationwide as of Tuesday. Ituri remains the worst-affected province; data show just over 60% of people diagnosed in North Kivu are dying, compared with a 48% national average.
Researchers believe the rare Bundibugyo species had been spreading for months before cases were confirmed in neighbouring Ituri in May; no approved vaccines or treatments exist for it. Funding and staffing shortages, surveillance gaps, conflict and mistrust complicate containment, and health workers say some patients avoid health facilities. Staff said residents set fire to a health post earlier this month, accusing it of working with Ebola responders. WHO and Congolese authorities say they are using awareness campaigns, household visits and local leaders to build trust.
