Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo have climbed to 2,423 with 967 deaths as of Tuesday, new figures showing after at least 930 fatalities were recorded among more than 2,300 infections.
The number of affected health zones has risen from 36 to 42 in a single week, and the virus, which the WHO has warned could be up to four times more widespread than known, now spans five provinces: Haut-Uele, Ituri, North Kivu, South Kivu and Tshopo. More than 80 percent of new infections are detected outside known contact lists, and roughly two-thirds of victims die in communities without ever reaching treatment. The epidemic has killed at least 189 children among 476 infected, according to Save the Children.
Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya has urged immediate action, while neighbouring Uganda identified its three western districts — Kisoro, Kanungu and Rukungiri — as at highest risk. The East African Community has confirmed a coordinated regional response with Africa CDC and the WHO.