The death toll from the ongoing Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo has risen to an estimated 131 deaths out of 513 suspected cases, according to Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba.
This marks an increase from earlier figures of 91 deaths and 350 suspected cases reported in the eastern region of the country, where the outbreak is concentrated.
The World Health Organization has classified the situation as an international health emergency, raising concerns about cross-border spread and regional containment.
Health officials say the outbreak is being driven by the Bundibugyo strain of Ebola, a virus for which no licensed vaccine or specific treatment currently exists.
The disease has historically killed more than 15,000 people across Africa over the past five decades.
Minister Kamba told Congolese national television that the figures remain provisional and are subject to further verification as investigations continue.
“We have recorded roughly 131 deaths in total and we have around 513 suspected cases,” he said, noting that some cases still require laboratory confirmation.
The outbreak is centred in Ituri Province, near the borders with Uganda and South Sudan, a region known for mining activity and frequent cross-border movement.
Authorities have reported that the virus has already spread to neighbouring provinces, with suspected cases appearing in areas such as Butembo in North Kivu, located roughly 200 kilometres from the epicentre.
A case has also been reported in Goma, a major provincial capital currently under the control of the Rwanda-backed M23 militia, further raising concerns about containment challenges.
Health officials say delayed community reporting has worsened the situation, as some residents initially believed the illness to be mystical rather than medical, leading to late hospital presentation.
Limited laboratory capacity has also slowed confirmation efforts, with many assessments still based on suspected rather than confirmed cases.
Authorities and international health agencies continue to monitor the outbreak closely as containment efforts intensify across affected regions.
