KINSHASA, DEMOCRATIC REPUBLIC OF CONGO / Content Syndication Services / – Confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of Congo have risen to 1,333, including 399 deaths, government data showed. The country declared the current Ebola outbreak in mid-May after health authorities detected Bundibugyo virus disease in the east.
Health officials face community transmission, heavy population movement and limited access to some affected areas. The outbreak also involves Uganda, where a smaller number of cases have appeared. The World Health Organization says the Bundibugyo species has no licensed vaccine or specific treatment, although candidate work continues.
The United Nations Development Programme warned that the outbreak now carries broad economic and social costs. Its assessment said the Ebola outbreak could push 985,000 more people into poverty, weaken local markets and disrupt access to education and health services in affected communities.
Livelihoods face pressure
The UNDP assessment said the crisis could put about 300,000 jobs at risk and cost African economies up to $3.6 billion if wider shocks intensify. It also said the Democratic Republic of Congo could lose more than $1 billion and 55,000 jobs even under a contained scenario.
More than 90 percent of reported infections in the wider outbreak remain concentrated in Ituri province, according to the UNDP account. Ituri is a key trading area near Uganda. Health measures, transport delays and reduced market activity have affected informal workers, traders and families that depend on daily income.
Health response expands
Women face a heavy share of the outbreak’s burden, the UNDP said. Many women work in informal cross-border trade or serve as caregivers and frontline health workers. Reduced trade and strained health services have increased pressure on household income, maternal care and basic services.
The World Health Organization says response work includes surveillance, contact tracing, clinical care, supplies, community engagement and cross-border preparedness. The Ebola outbreak has added pressure to eastern Congo, where insecurity and displacement already limit health access in some areas.