The World Health Organization has intensified its emergency response in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo after Ebola deaths rose to 136, with about 543 suspected cases reported in the latest outbreak.
Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba confirmed the figures as international support teams and medical supplies arrive in Bunia, the epicentre of the outbreak in Ituri province.
The WHO delivered 12 tonnes of emergency materials, including protective gear, infection-control kits, tents and essential medical supplies for frontline health workers. More than 40 international experts have also been deployed to strengthen surveillance, treatment and contact tracing efforts.
The outbreak is being driven by the rare Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a highly dangerous variant with a fatality rate estimated between 30 and 50 percent. It previously appeared in Uganda in 2007 and DR Congo in 2012, but has now resurfaced with renewed intensity.
WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus expressed deep concern over the scale and speed of the outbreak, warning it could last for months despite ongoing containment efforts.
WHO representative Anne Ancia said a vaccine candidate, Ervebo, is being assessed, though large-scale deployment may take weeks to months.
However, response efforts are being severely hampered by insecurity in eastern Congo, where armed groups control key areas. Health facilities are reporting shortages of protective equipment, while access to affected communities remains difficult.
The outbreak has now spread beyond Ituri into parts of North Kivu, with suspected cases reported in Butembo and a confirmed case in Goma, a strategic city currently under the control of M23 rebels.
Humanitarian organisations, including Doctors Without Borders, say they are struggling to scale up treatment centres amid ongoing violence and displacement.
Regional concern is also growing, with neighbouring countries reporting cross-border infections and increased surveillance at entry points. Uganda has confirmed Ebola cases linked to Congolese travellers, while international partners including the United States have introduced travel advisories and airport screening measures.
The United States Department of State has warned citizens against travel to affected regions and pledged millions in emergency support to help expand treatment centres and contain the outbreak.
Health authorities say urgent cooperation, improved security access and rapid deployment of medical resources are critical to preventing the outbreak from spreading further across Central and East Africa.
