The number of confirmed Ebola cases in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) has risen to 710, including 149 deaths, the country's health ministry said Saturday, while dismissing social media rumors that a nationwide lockdown had been imposed in response to the outbreak.
The case fatality rate stood at 21.0 percent, according to figures released by the ministry. A total of 324 patients were in isolation or hospitalized, while 35 people had recovered.
The ministry said the government, together with provincial authorities, response partners and local communities, was continuing public health interventions aimed at breaking chains of transmission and protecting the population.
Response teams on the ground are carrying out epidemiological surveillance, patient care, contact tracing, targeted vaccination, risk communication and community engagement.
The ministry said no lockdown had been ordered in the affected areas and no such measure was under consideration, urging the public not to spread unverified information and to rely on official channels for updates.
In a disease outbreak update published Saturday, the World Health Organization said the outbreak in the DRC continued to evolve rapidly, with rising case numbers and geographic spread.
The reported case fatality rate was likely an underestimation, as many deaths that occurred before the outbreak was declared remain under investigation, the WHO added.
Ebola cases in DR Congo rise to 710 as authorities deny lockdown rumors
Cote d’Ivoire fans have been left grounded for the 2026 FIFA World Cup, after eased U.S. travel restrictions came too late to secure visas and group bookings, marking their first absence from a major tournament.
Their plight mirrors the fate that has befallen thousands of supporters from around the world who have been affected by entry denials or astronomical costs of attending the global tournament that kicked off on Thursday.
For decades, Cote d'Ivoire's most dedicated football supporters have followed the Elephants across Africa and beyond. Famous for their colorful choreography, drums and relentless singing, these fans consider themselves the team's "12th man."
However, as Cote d'Ivoire heads to the World Cup as one of Africa's leading contenders, for the first time in history, many members of the National Committee for the Support of the Elephants will miss a major tournament.
"We have just learned that Ivorian supporters will not be traveling to the United States. This is the first time we have experienced such a situation. We have always been there for the team, whether at the World Cup or the Africa Cup of Nations, and it is painful to be absent," said Assi Cho Eulalie, a Cote d'Ivoire fan.
Supporters had hoped to make the overseas trip after learning that some earlier travel restrictions slapped on Cote d'Ivoire by U.S. administration had been eased.
However, with the tournament well underway, time has run out to secure visas and make travel arrangements for large groups.
Some fans have not given up and are now appealing to the authorities for help.
"I still believe there is a way to resolve this situation. We want the authorities to do everything possible so that supporters can stand behind the Elephants," said Yao Jessica Flaura, another Cote d'Ivoire supporter.
The Supporters' Committee has now turned to Plan B -- rather than sending fans from Cote d'Ivoire, it now hopes to mobilize the Ivorian diaspora already living in the United States to cheer the Elephants.
"We have a strong Ivorian community in the United States. Our representatives can work with them to mobilize support for the team. Even if the official supporters cannot travel, we believe the players will still feel the backing of their fans," said Didia Laurent Socrate, a member of the National Committee for the Support of the Elephants.
But not everyone is convinced. Some argue the diaspora community cannot fully replace the atmosphere created by the official fan groups.
"The diaspora supports the team, but when matches begin, it is usually the official supporters who continue singing and encouraging the players until the final whistle," said Côte d'Ivoire fan Kouadio Claudine.
Cote d’Ivoire fans denied FIFA World Cup trip amid visa delays, slow easing of rules
