The Democratic Republic of Congo has recorded more than 1,000 Ebola infections as health authorities struggle to contain an outbreak that continues to spread across eastern parts of the country.
According to government figures, the outbreak has claimed at least 254 lives and has now reached a third displacement camp, raising concerns among health experts about the speed of transmission and the growing risk of a larger humanitarian crisis.
One of the latest victims was an 18-month-old girl who died after developing a fever and being taken to multiple health facilities before testing positive for Ebola. Health officials said she came into contact with more than 100 people, including family members, healthcare workers, and residents of nearby camps, increasing fears of further infections.
The outbreak has spread across three provinces in eastern Congo, where years of conflict have forced thousands of people into overcrowded displacement camps. Limited healthcare infrastructure and shortages of isolation facilities have made it more difficult for authorities to control the disease.
Health officials say several cases have also been confirmed in other camps housing people displaced by violence, while dozens of deaths have been linked to another affected site in Bunia.
Children have been heavily impacted by the outbreak. Preliminary data from UNICEF indicates that nearly one in five confirmed Ebola cases involves children, highlighting the vulnerability of young people living in crowded and underserved communities.
A small number of infections have also been reported in neighboring Uganda, prompting concerns about possible cross-border transmission.
African health experts have warned that if the outbreak is not brought under control quickly, it could become one of the most serious Ebola emergencies in recent years. The warning comes as memories remain fresh of the devastating West African Ebola epidemic between 2014 and 2016, which claimed more than 11,000 lives.
Health authorities continue to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, and treatment efforts in an attempt to stop the spread of the deadly virus and prevent a wider regional health crisis.
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