Africa CDC Confirms New Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo, 65 Dead, Hundreds Suspected

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s remote Ituri province , reporting 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths so far. The outbreak is mainly concentrated in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones , with additional suspected cases in Bunia pending confirmation.

The agency said four deaths have been recorded among laboratory-confirmed cases , while preliminary testing has detected the Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples , indicating active transmission.

Ebola is a highly infectious and often fatal viral disease transmitted through direct contact with infected bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, or other secretions. Outbreaks can escalate rapidly, especially in areas with weak health infrastructure, delayed detection, and limited access to treatment.

The current outbreak has raised serious concern as it comes just five months after Congo declared its previous outbreak over , which had killed 43 people. Health authorities warn that the situation could worsen quickly if containment is delayed, as Ebola has a high fatality rate and spreads efficiently in conditions of close contact and inadequate infection control.

Africa CDC warned that the risk of further spread is heightened by high population movement, mining-related mobility in Mongwalu, weak contact tracing, and ongoing insecurity in eastern Congo. The proximity of affected areas to Uganda and South Sudan also increases the risk of cross-border transmission.

Ituri province, a remote and conflict-affected region more than 1,000 kilometres from the capital Kinshasa, faces major logistical challenges due to poor road networks and limited healthcare access. The presence of armed groups, including the M23 rebels and the Allied Democratic Force (ADF) , further complicates response efforts.

Africa CDC is convening an emergency coordination meeting with Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, WHO, UN agencies, and partners to strengthen surveillance, laboratory support, infection control, safe burials, and resource mobilisation.

This is the 17th Ebola outbreak in DR Congo since 1976 , underscoring the country’s recurring vulnerability to the disease. Previous major outbreaks include the 2018-2020 epidemic that killed over 1,000 people and the West African outbreak of 2014-2016 that caused more than 11,000 deaths globally.