Ebola cases in Congo cross 1,000, death toll rises to 254

Confirmed Ebola cases in an outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo have surpassed 1,000, with 254 deaths reported so far, according to health authorities. The outbreak, concentrated in Ituri province, continues to spread as officials struggle to trace contacts and contain transmission.

The Ministry of Health said a total of 1,003 confirmed cases have been recorded since the outbreak was declared on May 15. Of these, 100 patients have recovered, while 365 remain hospitalised or in isolation. Officials warned that the actual number of infections could be higher due to gaps in surveillance and ongoing transmission.

Health experts said contact tracing remains a major challenge, with only about 55% of contacts successfully tracked. Authorities have also been unable to identify the index case or fully trace more than 35,000 people who may have been exposed.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has warned that the outbreak may still be at an early stage, with the peak yet to come. The Ebola strain involved is the rare Bundibugyo virus, which currently has no approved vaccine or specific treatment.

The crisis is further complicated by ongoing armed conflict and mass displacement in eastern Congo, where rebel activity has forced thousands into overcrowded camps with limited healthcare access. Concerns have risen after unexplained deaths were reported in a displacement camp in Bunia housing over 20,000 people.

The United Nations refugee agency has expressed alarm over the accelerating spread of the virus, warning that displaced populations remain highly vulnerable to a potential large-scale health emergency.