An Ebola outbreak has been confirmed in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), with health authorities reporting deaths and suspected cases in the country’s eastern Ituri province.
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) said on Friday, 15 May 2026, that 65 deaths have been recorded so far, alongside about 246 suspected cases. Laboratory testing has confirmed 13 infections out of 20 samples analyzed at the National Biomedical Research Institute (INRB) in Kinshasa.
Most cases have been reported in Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with additional suspected infections under investigation in Bunia, the provincial capital of Ituri.
Africa CDC Director-General Dr. Jean Kaseya said the agency is working with national authorities and partners to coordinate the response. “Africa CDC stands in solidarity with the Government and people of the Democratic Republic of the Congo as they respond to this outbreak,” he said.
According to the agency, emergency consultations are underway with DR Congo and neighboring countries, including Uganda and South Sudan, to strengthen cross-border surveillance and containment. The focus of the meetings includes coordination of laboratory support, infection prevention and control, and contact tracing.
Preliminary analysis suggests the virus detected in samples may be a non-Zaire strain of Ebola virus, though sequencing is still in progress to confirm the exact type.
Health authorities said the outbreak is affecting areas with high population movement, including mining communities, raising concern about possible wider transmission. The Africa CDC noted that safe burial practices, early detection, and case isolation remain central to the response.
Ebola is transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids or contaminated materials. Early symptoms include fever, fatigue, headache, muscle pain, and sore throat.
DR Congo has recorded multiple Ebola outbreaks since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976. This is the 17th outbreak reported in the country.
