The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has reported 1,528 confirmed Ebola cases, including 492 deaths, as the country’s latest outbreak continues to spread. According to the latest situation report released by public health authorities, 239 patients have recovered, while 628 patients are in isolation or receiving treatment. Another 185 suspected cases have also been identified. Authorities have cited several challenges in containing the outbreak.

These include community resistance to post-mortem sampling, limited capacity at Ebola treatment centres, particularly in North Kivu province, weak contact tracing, delays in laboratory diagnosis, shortages of medical and infection-prevention supplies, and insecurity in some affected areas. Meanwhile, the World Health Organisation has begun a clinical trial in the DRC to evaluate potential treatments for Ebola caused by the Bundibugyo virus, for which there is currently no approved vaccine or specific treatment.