The World Health Organisation (WHO) says the Bundibugyo virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has entered a phase of intense transmission, with cases spreading across six provinces.
According to a WHO statement issued on Saturday, the DRC had recorded 4,665 confirmed cases and 2,184 deaths as of Wednesday, representing a case fatality ratio of 46.8 per cent.
The outbreak, which initially emerged in Mongbwalu Health Zone in Ituri Province, has now spread to 54 health zones across Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu, Haut-Uélé, Tshopo and Bas-Uélé provinces.
WHO said Bas-Uélé recently recorded its first confirmed case in Buta Health Zone involving a person who had travelled from neighbouring Haut-Uélé.
The outbreak recorded its highest weekly figures in epidemiological week 32, with 579 cases and 304 deaths reported, further raising concerns over the growing public health emergency.
The health agency said insecurity, population displacement, population mobility and cross-border movements are complicating response efforts and increasing the risk of further transmission.
DRC authorities, in collaboration with WHO and other partners, are expanding surveillance, treatment facilities and the training of healthcare workers as part of efforts to contain the outbreak.
WHO and Africa CDC leaders have also identified stronger surveillance and closer engagement with affected communities as key priorities following their missions to the DRC.
Meanwhile, France has reported no secondary transmission after detecting an imported case on June 24, while Uganda’s latest imported case was discharged on July 16.
WHO said Uganda remains at risk of reintroduction because of ongoing transmission in neighbouring DRC, with its 42-day enhanced monitoring period expected to end on August 27.
