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Africa CDC Confirms New Ebola Outbreak in Eastern Congo

The Africa CDC has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo's Ituri Province, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths reported. Preliminary tests detected the virus in 13 of 20 samples, with cases mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara. The agency warns of high spread risk due to urban settings, population movement, and proximity to Uganda and South Sudan, and has called an urgent regional meeting. This is the DRC's 17th outbreak since 1976, following a previous outbreak in Kasai Province that ended in December 2025.

Key Points: New Ebola Outbreak Confirmed in Eastern DRC

  • New Ebola outbreak confirmed in eastern DRC's Ituri Province
  • 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths recorded
  • Africa CDC warns of high spread risk due to urban settings and mobility
  • Urgent regional meeting called with DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and partners
2 min read

Africa CDC confirms Ebola outbreak in eastern Congo

Africa CDC confirms Ebola outbreak in eastern DRC's Ituri Province with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths. Regional meeting called to boost cross-border response.

"Rapid regional coordination is essential due to the high mobility between affected areas and neighbouring countries. - Jean Kaseya"

Kinshasa, May 15

Health authorities have confirmed a new outbreak of Ebola virus disease in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo on Friday.

Hundreds of suspected cases have been reported in Ituri Province, according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC).

Preliminary tests by the National Institute of Biomedical Research detected the virus in 13 of 20 samples, Africa CDC said in a statement, citing consultations with the DRC's Ministry of Health and National Public Health Institute, Xinhua news agency reported.

About 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been recorded, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara, with four deaths among confirmed cases. Suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia.

Africa CDC warned of a high risk of further spread due to urban settings, population movement, mining activities, insecurity, and proximity to Uganda and South Sudan.

The agency is convening an urgent meeting on Friday afternoon with health authorities from the DRC, Uganda and South Sudan, as well as key international partners, to strengthen cross-border coordination, surveillance and response efforts.

Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya stressed that rapid regional coordination is essential due to the high mobility between affected areas and neighbouring countries.

Previously, on September 4, 2025, the DRC government confirmed an Ebola outbreak in Kasai Province in central DRC, the country's 16th outbreak since 1976.

The flare-up came amid an agitated public health environment, marked by the simultaneous resurgence of mpox, cholera, and measles across the country.

The DRC, on December 2, 2025, declared an end to the previous Ebola outbreak in the country that killed 45.

"On behalf of the government, and taking into account all the scientific and operational indicators confirming that the chain of transmission of the virus has been broken, I hereby officially declare the end of the 16th Ebola outbreak in the DRC," Health Minister Roger Kamba told a ceremony in the capital, Kinshasa.

Ebola is a highly contagious hemorrhagic fever that causes symptoms such as fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, generalised pain, and malaise, and in many cases, internal and external bleeding, according to the WHO.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

M
Michael C
As someone who follows global health news, I'm saddened by the recurrence of Ebola in DRC. The urban settings and mining activities are a perfect storm for rapid spread. Let's hope the international community steps up quickly to help contain this.
P
Priya S
It's heartbreaking to see another outbreak just after the previous one ended in December. My thoughts are with the people of Ituri Province. India has experience with managing outbreaks too—maybe we can share some of our public health strategies.
S
Sarah B
The mention of cross-border coordination is crucial. With the proximity to Uganda and South Sudan, this could easily become a regional crisis. Let's hope the urgent meeting today produces concrete action plans, not just talks.
R
Rohit P
I've read about Ebola's history since the 1970s—it's a tough virus. The fact that DRC is dealing with multiple health crises at once is alarming. Global solidarity is needed, but also local community awareness. Chalo, hope they vaccinate quickly.
E
Emma D
The numbers are worrying—246 suspected cases and 65 deaths. But I wish the article had mentioned whether there are vaccines available or if they're using the same ones as before. Transparency in reporting helps in building trust.
K
Kavya N

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