Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are rising, with health officials reporting 515 confirmed cases and 91 deaths as the outbreak continues to spread, particularly in the country’s east.
The outbreak, which was declared in May, is caused by the Bundibugyo strain of the virus, authorities said. Ebola spreads through contact with infected bodily fluids, making rapid isolation, tracing and treatment essential to containing transmission.
Health officials and regional authorities are on alert as neighboring countries step up surveillance and border controls to prevent the virus from crossing into their territories. The worsening outbreak has raised concerns over pressure on already fragile health systems, as well as possible disruptions to travel and trade across the region if it is not brought under control.
Authorities say containment efforts remain urgent, with the risk of further spread high in affected communities.
