GENEVA / RankWire.AI / – According to the World Health Organization, certain regions within the Democratic Republic of the Congo are showing signs of improvement in the battle against Ebola. Cases have decreased in multiple zones, notably in Ituri province, which continues to be the outbreak’s primary epicenter. As of September 13, national data indicated 7,258 confirmed cases and 3,510 deaths across seven provinces. Meanwhile, 1,726 recoveries have been documented, with the overall case fatality rate at 48.4%.
Since May, South Kivu has not reported any new Ebola cases, providing further evidence of progress in some affected regions. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus stated that recent data presents promising signs after months of extensive transmission. However, he emphasized that the outbreak is still expanding and resulting in fatalities. Health officials have identified cases across 62 health zones, illustrating significant disparities among provinces. While some areas experience reduced transmission, others see a sharp increase, highlighting the uneven progress across the country.
Despite recent declines, Ituri continues to report the highest number of cases, with approximately 300 new infections and 160 deaths during the latest weekly period. These infections account for nearly half of the country’s total during that time. Conversely, North Kivu has experienced a different trend, with weekly cases nearly doubling over two weeks—from around 100 to more than 200—indicating expanding transmission monitored by response teams.
Weekly Ebola infections in North Kivu show significant rise
The current outbreak was declared in mid-May 2026, with laboratory tests confirming Bundibugyo virus disease as the cause. Since then, the epidemic has spread across a wide area of the nation. Ituri remains the province with the highest overall case load, followed by North Kivu. Haut-Uélé continues to record new cases, and the virus has also reached Sud-Ubangi, expanding the number of affected provinces to seven and broadening the scope of ongoing response efforts.
Medical research has become a key element of the Ebola response, with health teams operating within affected communities. Trials involving potential treatments and post-exposure prophylaxis are expanding as participation increases. WHO and national health agencies maintain surveillance, conduct laboratory testing, trace contacts, isolate cases, and provide clinical care. Because infection levels vary widely between provinces and zones, authorities carefully analyze local trends. Recent data show that solely considering national figures does not reflect the uneven transmission pattern.
Seven provinces under active health intervention
Support from national health authorities, WHO, Africa CDC, and other partners continues to bolster frontline teams across affected regions. However, insecurity and displacement hinder access in parts of eastern and northern DR Congo, complicating surveillance, contact tracing, and timely medical response. Response teams also operate in mining areas, informal settlements, and displacement camps, where limited health services, sanitation, and transportation infrastructure pose additional operational challenges in efforts to contain the virus.
Latest confirmed figures reflect progress in certain locations, though the outbreak still inflicts a heavy toll nationally. South Kivu remains free of new cases for months, and transmission in Ituri has slowed compared to earlier stages. In contrast, North Kivu continues to experience an increase in weekly infections. Consequently, health authorities continue to monitor each province individually, recognizing the shifting patterns of transmission across the country. The outbreak’s magnitude is underscored by more than 3,500 confirmed deaths and thousands of cases still active.