Africa CDC Confirms New Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo's Ituri Province

The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed a new Ebola virus outbreak in the remote Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo. Health authorities report 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases, with incidents concentrated in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones. The agency expressed concern regarding potential spread due to urban contexts in Bunia, intense population movement, and mining-related mobility. In response, Africa CDC is convening an urgent meeting with Congo, Uganda, South Sudan, and global partners to strengthen cross-border surveillance and response efforts. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country since the virus was first detected there in 1976. The current crisis unfolds as the nation continues to battle various armed groups in the east, including the M23 rebels and Allied Democratic Forces, which complicates healthcare access in areas with limited infrastructure. The last outbreak, resulting in 43 deaths, was declared over approximately five months ago. Ebola, transmitted through direct contact with bodily fluids, remains a significant public health threat in the region, having caused over 2,000 deaths in the deadliest outbreak between 2018 and 2020.