Congo reports more Ebola cases as WHO expresses concern over scale and speed of the outbreak

Eastern Congo is experiencing a significant Ebola outbreak, with at least 131 deaths and over 500 suspected cases reported. The World Health Organization (WHO) has declared it a public health emergency of international concern, with its director-general expressing deep concern over the outbreak's scale and speed. The virus, identified as the rare Bundibugyo variant for which there are no approved treatments or vaccines, spread undetected for weeks due to initial misdiagnosis and delayed testing. Cases have emerged in urban areas, and healthcare workers have died, complicating containment efforts. An American doctor is among those infected in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province. The outbreak's late detection and the lack of immediate testing capacity for this specific variant have hindered response efforts.

A new outbreak of Ebola has occurred in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. As of the latest reports, at least 65 people have died as a result of this outbreak. In addition to the confirmed deaths, there are 246 suspected cases of the virus. The article does not provide further details regarding the specific strain of Ebola or the reasons for the outbreak.

A new Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in Congo's Ituri province, resulting in 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases. Health officials are investigating the specific strain, with initial tests suggesting it may not be the deadliest Ebola Zaire variant. Neighboring Uganda has reported one imported death from Congo. The outbreak is concentrated in an area near the borders of Uganda and South Sudan, raising concerns about regional spread due to travel and insecurity. The World Health Organization has deployed a response team and provided emergency funding, while Congo has stockpiles of treatments and some vaccine doses, though their effectiveness varies by strain. This marks Congo's 17th recorded Ebola outbreak.

Health officials are raising concerns about a new Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. The Africa CDC has reported 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths. The outbreak is particularly worrying due to the affected area's proximity to Uganda and South Sudan and a challenging security situation caused by armed groups. Preliminary tests have detected the Ebola virus in a significant number of samples. This outbreak follows the DRC's previous Ebola episode, which ended five months ago. The Africa CDC is organizing an urgent meeting with regional health authorities and partners to bolster cross-border surveillance and response efforts, citing risks from population movement and control difficulties in the remote, poorly accessible region.

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has confirmed a fatal Ebola outbreak in the remote Ituri province of Congo. As of Friday, May 15, 2026, there are 246 suspected cases and 65 recorded deaths, primarily in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. The highly contagious Ebola virus spreads through bodily fluids. In response to this confirmed outbreak, an urgent cross-border meeting has been called.

An Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo has resulted in 65 deaths among 246 suspected cases. The affected region borders Uganda and South Sudan, raising concerns for Africa CDC about potential further spread due to high population movement in mining towns. Early testing suggests this outbreak may be a different strain of Ebola than the Zaire strain, for which vaccines are available. The DRC has experienced numerous Ebola outbreaks since 1976. Health officials are convening an urgent meeting with neighboring countries and the World Health Organization to coordinate a rapid regional response.