The World Health Organization (WHO) has sounded the alarm on a persistent outbreak of Ebola in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).

Since its emergence, the epidemic has claimed 600 lives, according to the latest figures released by the WHO, based on data from Congolese health authorities.

A total of 1,759 confirmed cases have been reported in the country, with neighboring Uganda remaining unaffected at 20 cases and two deaths.

The WHO believes that the true extent of the outbreak is difficult to gauge. ‘The disease continues to spread, and its scope has not yet been fully determined,’ said Anne Ancia, WHO representative in DRC during a video conference with the WHO headquarters in Geneva.

She highlighted some progress in responding to the crisis, while warning that health centers are operating at only 90% capacity, putting significant pressure on the healthcare system.

The epicenter of the outbreak is located in the Ituri Province in eastern DRC, near the border with Uganda and South Sudan. The virus has also been detected in neighboring provinces of North Kivu and South Kivu, where insecurity remains high due to the presence of the M23 armed group.

The WHO notes that population displacement, ongoing violence, and the fragility of the healthcare system complicate efforts to combat the disease. The organization emphasizes the importance of humanitarian needs, particularly in protecting civilians, accessing food and essential medical care.

Declared officially on May 15, this is the 17th outbreak of Ebola in DRC, caused by the Bundibugyo variant for which no approved vaccine or treatment is currently available.

In response, a clinical trial evaluating two experimental treatments was launched on July 2. Additionally, the WHO has authorized emergency use of the first molecular diagnostic test designed to detect this rare strain of the virus.

Since its discovery over half a century ago, Ebola has claimed the lives of more than 15,000 people in Africa. The most severe outbreak recorded in DRC between 2018 and 2020 resulted in nearly 2,300 deaths out of approximately 3,500 reported cases.