Ebola Outbreak Confirmed in Congo's Ituri Province: 65 Deaths Reported, Concerns of Further Spread

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) is closely monitoring a confirmed outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease in Ituri province in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. 

Health authorities and international partners have mobilized a coordinated response to contain the spread.

Following consultations with the DRC’s Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute, preliminary laboratory analysis conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 tested samples. Early findings suggest a non-Zaire strain of the virus, with full genetic sequencing still underway. Final results are expected within the next 24 hours with support from Africa CDC.

Photo: Shutterstock

As of the latest update, approximately 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been reported, primarily in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. Four deaths have been confirmed among laboratory-confirmed cases. Additional suspected infections have been reported in Bunia, where confirmation is still pending.

Health officials have raised concern about the potential for wider transmission due to several risk factors, including high population movement in urban areas, mining-related mobility in Mongwalu, ongoing insecurity in affected regions, and gaps in contact tracing and infection control measures. The proximity of affected areas to Uganda and South Sudan has also increased concern about cross border spread.

In response, Africa CDC is convening an urgent high-level coordination meeting today, May 15, 2026, bringing together health authorities from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan alongside global partners. These include the World Health Organization, UNICEF, FAO, the United States CDC, the European CDC, China CDC, the Public Health Agency of Canada, and several international research institutions, pharmaceutical companies, and humanitarian organisations such as Médecins Sans Frontières, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, and major global health funders.

The meeting will focus on strengthening surveillance systems, improving laboratory coordination, enhancing infection prevention and control, supporting safe and dignified burials, and improving cross-border preparedness. It will also address risk communication and efforts to mobilize additional resources for the response.

Officials are urging people in affected and at-risk areas to follow national health guidance, avoid contact with suspected cases, and report symptoms promptly to health services.

Ebola Virus Disease is a severe and often fatal illness transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Health experts stress that early detection, isolation, contact tracing, and safe burial practices remain essential to controlling outbreaks.