Ebola outbreak confirmed in eastern Congo: 246 cases, 65 deaths in Ituri
Synopsis
A new Ebola outbreak has erupted in Ituri Province, eastern DRC, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths — less than six months after the country declared its 16th outbreak over. Africa CDC is racing to prevent cross-border spread into Uganda and South Sudan, even as the DRC battles simultaneous mpox, cholera, and measles crises.
Key Takeaways
Africa CDC confirmed an Ebola outbreak in Ituri Province , eastern DRC , on 15 May 2025 .
246 suspected cases and 65 deaths recorded; 13 of 20 preliminary samples tested positive.
Cases concentrated in Mongwalu and Rwampara ; suspected cases also reported in Bunia .
Africa CDC rates spread risk as high due to urban settings, mining activity, population movement, and proximity to Uganda and South Sudan .
An emergency coordination meeting with DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan health authorities was convened on Friday afternoon .
This follows the DRC's 16th outbreak , declared over on 2 December 2025 , which killed 45 people.
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed a new Ebola virus disease outbreak in Ituri Province, eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths recorded as of Friday, 15 May. Preliminary laboratory tests by the National Institute of Biomedical Research detected the virus in 13 of 20 samples, according to an Africa CDC statement.
Key Developments
The majority of cases and fatalities have been concentrated in Mongwalu and Rwampara, with four deaths confirmed among laboratory-positive cases. Suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia, a major urban centre in Ituri Province. Africa CDC issued the confirmation following consultations with the DRC Ministry of Health and the National Public Health Institute.
Why Spread Risk Is Rated High
Africa CDC has flagged a high risk of further spread, citing a combination of urban settings, active population movement, mining operations, ongoing insecurity, and the province's close proximity to Uganda and South Sudan. Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya stressed that rapid regional coordination is essential given the high mobility between affected areas and neighbouring countries. An urgent coordination meeting was convened on Friday afternoon with health authorities from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, alongside key international partners, to strengthen cross-border surveillance and response.
Background: DRC's Long History With Ebola
This outbreak marks at least the 17th time the DRC has battled Ebola since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976. The previous — 16th — outbreak was declared in Kasai Province in central DRC on 4 September 2025, and was officially declared over on 2 December 2025, having killed 45 people. Health Minister Roger Kamba at the time announced: '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.'
A Strained Public Health Environment
The new flare-up arrives amid an already burdened health landscape in the DRC, which is simultaneously contending with the resurgence of mpox, cholera, and measles across the country. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), Ebola is a highly contagious haemorrhagic fever characterised by fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, generalised pain, malaise, and — in many cases — internal and external bleeding.
What Happens Next
Regional health authorities are expected to scale up surveillance at border crossings between the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan. The outcome of Friday's emergency coordination meeting will likely shape the pace of international response and resource deployment in the coming days.
Point of View
Compounded by conflict and chronic underfunding. This 17th outbreak in Ituri Province is particularly alarming because it overlaps with active mpox, cholera, and measles crises, stretching an already thin response system. The proximity to Uganda and South Sudan raises the spectre of cross-border transmission that international agencies have repeatedly struggled to contain. The real question is not whether the world can respond, but whether it will do so fast enough given competing global health emergencies.
NationPress
30 Jun 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the current Ebola outbreak in the DRC?
A new Ebola virus disease outbreak has been confirmed in Ituri Province, eastern DRC, with 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths as of 15 May 2025. Preliminary tests detected the virus in 13 of 20 samples, according to Africa CDC.
Where exactly are the Ebola cases in eastern Congo?
Most cases and deaths are concentrated in Mongwalu and Rwampara in Ituri Province. Suspected cases have also been reported in Bunia, a significant urban hub in the region.
Why is there a high risk of Ebola spreading beyond the DRC?
Africa CDC has flagged high spread risk due to urban settings, population movement, mining activities, ongoing insecurity, and Ituri Province's proximity to Uganda and South Sudan. An emergency cross-border coordination meeting was held on 15 May 2025.
How does this outbreak compare to previous Ebola outbreaks in the DRC?
This is at least the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976. The previous outbreak, the 16th, was declared in Kasai Province in September 2025 and officially ended on 2 December 2025, having killed 45 people.
What are the symptoms of Ebola virus disease?
According to the WHO, Ebola causes fever, vomiting, diarrhoea, generalised pain, and malaise, and in many cases leads to internal and external bleeding. It is classified as a highly contagious haemorrhagic fever.
