Ebola tracking improves in DR Congo, but outbreak still outruns response

Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of the Congo are tracking more Ebola cases, but the outbreak is outpacing detection and isolation efforts, the World Health Organization warned Thursday. Hidden transmission chains are being fueled by patients reaching advanced stages without care. The outbreak remains concentrated in Ituri province, with 4,449 confirmed cases and 2,061 deaths reported as of Tuesday, a 46 percent fatality rate. Contact tracing has passed 85 percent nationally, but regional gaps persist, particularly in Haut-Uélé at 58 percent. Insecurity and community mistrust are compounding challenges. Treatment centers in Ituri are saturated, and North Kivu lacks sufficient referral options. WHO warned that delays in paying response personnel could affect staff motivation and continuity. Until detection outpaces transmission, better tracing alone will not turn the epidemic around.