Ebola Cases Spike in Congo’s Ituri Region

Congo reports a sharp rise in Ebola infections, with 71 new cases confirmed within just one day. The total number of people who have tested positive climbs to 452 since the outbreak began in mid‑May, and 82 people have died from the disease. The majority of these new cases—65 out of 71—appear in Ituri province, a remote area in the northeast that struggles with limited medical facilities and ongoing conflict. A smaller number, six cases, were identified in North Kivu province. This surge represents one of the largest daily increases ever recorded during Congo’s Ebola history, specifically the seventeenth such spike. Health officials note that the rapid spread is a sign of ongoing community transmission in both provinces.Investigations show that 17 out of Ituri’s 36 health zones now have confirmed cases, while seven zones in North Kivu and one in South Kivu are also affected. The outbreak has even crossed borders, with cases reported in nearby Uganda. In response, the World Health Organization announced a six‑month plan worth $518 million to help contain the virus. The initiative seeks financial and political support to curb further spread in Congo, Uganda, and other countries that might face future outbreaks.