Africa’s top public health agency, the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC), has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC).
As of the latest statement, health authorities have recorded 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases in remote Ituri province. Cases have been reported mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, and four deaths have been recorded among laboratory-confirmed cases. Africa CDC said it is convening an urgent meeting with DRC officials, neighbouring Uganda and South Sudan, and international partners to strengthen cross-border surveillance, preparedness and response.
The agency warned of an elevated risk of spread because of the urban settings of Bunia and Rwampara, heavy population movements, and mining-related mobility around Mongwalu. A vaccination campaign had begun in the DRC last year, and authorities are working to deploy testing, contact tracing and vaccination where possible.
How Ebola spreads and what to watch for
Ebola virus is highly infectious and is transmitted through direct contact with the blood or other bodily fluids of infected people or animals, or by contact with contaminated surfaces and materials. Typical symptoms include fever, severe headache, muscle pain, vomiting, diarrhea and other signs of systemic illness; the disease can be fatal.
Background and challenges
Ebola was first identified in the region in 1976 and the virus is considered endemic to the tropical forests of the DRC. This is the country’s 17th recorded outbreak. The most recent outbreak, which caused 43 deaths, was declared over roughly five months ago. The DRC’s largest and deadliest epidemic occurred between 2018 and 2020, when more than 2,000 people died.
Responders face significant logistical and security obstacles. Large parts of the country have limited road access, complicating rapid response and supply delivery. Ongoing conflict in the east — involving armed groups such as the M23 and the Allied Democratic Force (ADF) — further hinders access to affected communities and the safety of health workers.
What happens next
Health authorities and partners are prioritizing strengthened surveillance at borders, rapid case investigation, contact tracing, infection prevention measures, and targeted vaccination where feasible. The Africa CDC and international partners are coordinating to limit spread, but officials say rapid action is critical given population movement and urban risk factors.