The World Health Organization (WHO) has significantly reduced the number of suspected Ebola cases linked to the ongoing outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), lowering the figure from more than 900 to 116 following further investigations and laboratory testing.
According to the WHO, as of May 31, only 116 suspected cases of the deadly virus remained under investigation, a sharp decline from the 906 suspected cases reported late last week.
The health agency said 321 cases have now been confirmed in the DRC, including 48 deaths, while neighbouring Uganda has recorded nine confirmed cases and one death linked to the outbreak.
WHO spokesman Christian Lindmeier explained that the reduction in suspected cases followed detailed surveillance and testing, which ruled out Ebola infection in many patients who were ultimately diagnosed with other illnesses.
One reason for the fluctuation is that people infected with Bundibugyo, the strain of Ebola responsible for the current outbreak, often develop symptoms similar to those of influenza, malaria, or typhoid fever during the early stages of infection. This overlap can make initial diagnosis difficult and delay confirmation.
Lindmeier told reporters that many individuals initially classified as suspected cases were later excluded after laboratory tests showed they were suffering from other diseases. He cited malaria, meningitis, and other illnesses as examples of conditions that had been mistaken for Ebola because of their similar symptoms.
“Once they are tested, they are ruled out in many cases,” he said, explaining that such patients are subsequently removed from the suspected cases list. Conversely, those whose test results confirm Ebola infection are added to the confirmed cases tally.
He noted that it is normal for the number of confirmed cases to continue rising while the number of suspected cases fluctuates, reflecting ongoing testing and disease surveillance efforts.
The current outbreak was officially declared on May 15 in Ituri Province, a conflict-affected region in northeastern DRC. Health officials, however, believe the virus may have been circulating undetected for several weeks before the declaration.
WHO’s latest update also no longer includes the category of deaths previously listed as suspected Ebola fatalities. Earlier reports had recorded 223 deaths suspected to be linked to the virus.
Addressing the change, Lindmeier said the figure had carried a high level of uncertainty because it included people who died before the outbreak was identified. In many cases, he explained, their remains could not be exhumed for laboratory testing, making it impossible to determine whether Ebola was the cause of death.
Ebola is a highly infectious disease that spreads through close contact with infected individuals or bodily fluids and can cause severe haemorrhhagic fever with a high fatality rate if not detected and treated promptly.
The WHO and its partners continue to strengthen surveillance, contact tracing, testing, and response activities in affected communities as efforts intensify to contain the outbreak and prevent further spread across borders.
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