Key facts
- DR Congo confirmed 71 new Ebola cases in 24 hours.
- The outbreak has reached 452 confirmed cases and 82 deaths since May 15.
- Cases have been confirmed in Ituri, North Kivu, and South Kivu provinces.
- Ebola cases have also been reported in neighboring Uganda.
- Gold mining operations are reportedly linked to the spread of the virus.
- The WHO announced a $518 million plan to fight the Ebola outbreak.
- The Ebola outbreak could lead to more than 20,000 cases in a worst-case scenario.
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has reported 71 new Ebola cases in a single 24-hour period, signaling rapid community transmission of the deadly disease. The outbreak, primarily concentrated in Ituri province, has now reached a total of 452 confirmed cases and 82 deaths since it was announced on May 15. The virus has also spread to neighboring Uganda. The situation report highlighted that cases are present in 17 of Ituri's 36 health zones, seven in North Kivu, and one in South Kivu. The World Health Organization (WHO) has launched a six-month plan with a budget of $518 million to combat the outbreak in the DRC and Uganda, aiming to contain the spread and assist other countries with preparedness measures. Gold mining activities in a remote Congolese town are reportedly linked to the exacerbation of the outbreak. A CDC report suggests the outbreak could lead to more than 20,000 cases and over 2,000 deaths in a worst-case scenario. Disinformation and rumors are also hindering containment efforts. Ugandan authorities have tightened border controls with Congo to prevent Ebola's spread. Doctors in Congo are confronting the outbreak with minimal protective gear, expressing constant fear for their safety.