New Ebola Outbreak Confirmed in Eastern DR Congo
Health officials have declared a new Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, reporting 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths. Preliminary tests suggest a non-Zaire strain, complicating response efforts as existing vaccines target only the Zaire variant. The Africa CDC is coordinating with Uganda and South Sudan to enhance cross-border surveillance amid concerns over rapid spread due to high population movement and ongoing armed conflict. This marks the DRC’s 17th outbreak since 1976, occurring just five months after the previous epidemic ended, straining local resources and infrastructure.
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DR Congo Warns of No Vaccine for Deadly Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak as Death Toll Reaches 80
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing a severe new outbreak of the Ebola virus, specifically the Bundibugyo strain, which health officials describe as highly lethal. According to the latest figures released on Saturday, the outbreak has resulted in at least 246 suspected cases and 80 confirmed deaths. Samuel-Roger Kamba, the country's Health Minister, announced during a press briefing in Kinshasa that there is currently no vaccine available for this specific strain of the virus. This lack of medical countermeasures poses a significant challenge to containment efforts and public health safety in the region. The announcement highlights the urgent need for international support and alternative treatment protocols to manage the spread of the disease. The Bundibugyo strain, while less common than the Zaire strain, remains dangerous and requires strict isolation and care procedures to prevent further transmission among communities and healthcare workers.
France 24 - International breaking news, top stories and headlinesEbola Epidemic in DRC: 80 Suspected Deaths and Spread to Uganda
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) and Uganda are responding to a rapidly spreading Ebola epidemic caused by the Bundibugyo strain. As of May 16, 2026, the DRC has reported 246 suspected cases and 80 deaths, while Uganda confirmed one fatality involving a Congolese national in Kampala. The Africa CDC declared a new epidemic, highlighting a high risk of spread due to intense population movement in the gold-mining region of Ituri and security challenges posed by armed groups. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, the Bundibugyo variant has no approved vaccine or specific treatment, with a case fatality rate estimated at up to 50%. The outbreak's index case is believed to be a nurse in Bunia who fell ill in late April. While no local transmission has been reported in Uganda yet, the proximity of affected health zones to the border and the virus's twenty-one-day incubation period raise significant regional concerns. This event marks another severe health crisis for the DRC, following a previous outbreak in 2025.
Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le mondeDRC Warns of No Vaccine for Deadly Bundibugyo Ebola Outbreak as Death Toll Hits 80
The Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak caused by the Bundibugyo strain, which currently has no specific vaccine or treatment. Health Minister Samuel-Roger Kamba warned that this strain carries a high lethality rate of up to 50 percent. The death toll has risen to 80 within the DRC, with 246 suspected cases reported in Ituri province. The outbreak has also crossed borders, resulting in one death in Uganda involving a DRC national. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, for which vaccines exist, the Bundibugyo strain presents unique challenges for containment. Health officials highlight a significant risk of further spread due to substantial cross-border population movements in the region. The World Health Organization is airlifting medical supplies to assist with infection prevention. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC, raising concerns among international health bodies like the CDC about the scale of transmission in affected communities with limited infrastructure.
Jamaica ObserverEbola Outbreak in DRC's Ituri Province Claims 80 Lives, Spreads to Uganda
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) have intensified emergency measures after a new Ebola outbreak in the eastern Ituri province resulted in at least 80 deaths. The outbreak, caused by the Bundibugyo virus variant, marks the country's 17th Ebola epidemic since 1976. While only eight cases have been laboratory-confirmed so far, hundreds of suspected cases and constant burials in the capital Bunia indicate a severe crisis. The suspected index case was a nurse who died in late April. The situation is complicated by logistical hurdles and ongoing violence from Islamic State-backed militants in the region. Concerns about regional spread have materialized as Uganda confirmed an imported case linked to the DRC outbreak, resulting in one death in Kampala. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has expressed concern regarding further transmission risks to neighboring countries, particularly South Sudan. Despite the severity, daily life in Bunia appeared normal initially, though residents urge the government to take decisive action to contain the disease and support local hospitals.
News Today: Breaking News, Top Headlines & Live Updates | The HinduCongo Ebola Outbreak: Death Toll Hits 80 in Ituri Province
Authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo have reported at least 80 deaths from a new Ebola outbreak in the eastern Ituri province. The outbreak, officially announced on Friday, initially cited 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases, but the toll has risen rapidly as health workers intensify screening and contact tracing efforts. Laboratory tests have confirmed the presence of the Bundibugyo virus, a less common variant of Ebola, marking the country's 17th outbreak since the disease was first identified there in 1976. In Bunia, the provincial capital, residents describe a climate of fear driven by daily burials, with some days seeing multiple interments. While eight cases have been laboratory-confirmed, including four deaths, the high number of suspected cases indicates significant community transmission. Congo has extensive experience managing Ebola, yet logistical challenges often hinder the rapid deployment of expertise and supplies to remote affected regions. The highly contagious disease, spread through bodily fluids, remains severe and often fatal, prompting urgent public health responses to contain its spread amidst local anxiety and ongoing burial activities.
News - South China Morning PostRising Ebola Cases in DRC: Rare Bundibugyo Variant Causes First Deaths
Health authorities in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) are responding to a growing outbreak of the rare Bundibugyo variant of Ebola, which has resulted in confirmed deaths. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported 13 confirmed cases and four deaths in the Ituri province, with an additional death confirmed in neighboring Uganda. Unlike the more common Zaire strain, there is currently no approved vaccine for the Bundibugyo variant, though its mortality rate is estimated at 37 percent, significantly lower than the Zaire strain's 90 percent. The World Health Organization (WHO) has deployed experts and allocated $500,000 for emergency response efforts. Concerns are heightened because the outbreak is occurring in an urban border region with high population movement, increasing the risk of cross-border spread. Authorities have intensified border controls and isolation protocols. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976, with hundreds of suspected cases and dozens of reported deaths across the country linked to the broader epidemic context.
Nachrichten - WELTEbola Outbreak in Congo: 13 Cases of Rare Bundibugyo Variant Confirmed
The Democratic Republic of Congo is facing its 17th Ebola outbreak, with health authorities confirming 13 cases of the rare Bundibugyo variant. According to the Africa CDC, there are currently 246 suspected cases and 65 reported deaths in the country, including four confirmed deaths from this specific strain in Ituri province. One additional death linked to the Bundibugyo variant was confirmed in neighboring Uganda. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that unlike the more common Zaire strain, there is currently no approved vaccine for Bundibugyo, although it has a lower mortality rate of approximately 37 percent compared to Zaire's 90 percent. In response to the outbreak in an urban border region with high population movement, the WHO has deployed experts and provided $500,000 in emergency funding. Authorities have increased border controls and isolated contacts to prevent further spread. This event marks a significant public health challenge, distinct from the previous outbreak in Kasaï province in late 2025.
DiePresse.com - HomeCongo Confirms 13 Cases of Rare Bundibugyo Ebola Variant
The Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed 13 cases of the rare Bundibugyo Ebola variant, marking the country's 17th outbreak since 1976. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there is currently no approved vaccine for this specific strain, complicating response efforts as previous treatments targeted the more common Zaire variant. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) reported four deaths in Ituri province and one in neighboring Uganda. While the Bundibugyo variant has a lower mortality rate of approximately 37 percent compared to the Zaire strain's 90 percent, authorities remain concerned due to intense population movements in the urban border region. The WHO has allocated $500,000 for emergency measures and deployed experts to the area. In response to the risk of cross-border spread, officials from Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan are strengthening surveillance and border controls. This outbreak follows a previous incident in Kasaï province. Jean-Jacques Muyembe, a leading Congolese virologist, noted that identifying a non-Zaire variant presents unique challenges for containment and treatment strategies in the region.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenRare Ebola Variant Confirmed in Democratic Republic of Congo Outbreak
Health authorities have confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), identifying 13 cases of the rare Bundibugyo variant. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976. The World Health Organization (WHO) notes that there is currently no approved vaccine for this specific strain, which has a mortality rate of approximately 37%, significantly lower than the Zaire variant's 90%. So far, four deaths have been recorded in the Ituri province of the DRC, and one death has been confirmed in neighboring Uganda, where the same variant was detected. While local infections in Uganda are not yet confirmed, the Africa CDC reports 246 suspected cases and 65 total deaths across the region. Due to the outbreak's location in an urban border area with high population movement, officials have heightened border controls and activated emergency teams. The WHO has deployed experts and allocated $500,000 for emergency response efforts to contain the spread of the virus, which is transmitted through physical contact and body fluids.
DIE ZEIT | Nachrichten, News, Hintergründe und DebattenDeadly Ebola Outbreak Kills 65 in DR Congo's Ituri Province
Health authorities have confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo's Ituri province, resulting in 65 deaths and approximately 246 suspected cases. Preliminary tests by the National Institute for Biomedical Research indicated that 13 out of 20 samples were positive for the virus. The fatalities are primarily concentrated in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with four deaths among laboratory-confirmed patients. Investigations into suspected infections are ongoing in the city of Bunia. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is coordinating with governments in DR Congo, Uganda, and South Sudan to enhance surveillance and emergency response measures along border areas, citing high population movement as a risk factor for regional spread. This event follows the declaration of the end of a previous Ebola flare-up in Kasai Province in December 2025, which was the country's 16th recorded epidemic since 1976. Ebola, a hemorrhagic fever with a fatality rate up to 90%, spreads through direct contact with infected bodily fluids. Recent outbreaks have also affected neighboring Uganda, highlighting the persistent public health challenges in the region.
RT - Daily newsNew Ebola Outbreak Kills 65 in Democratic Republic of Congo
A new Ebola virus outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has resulted in 65 confirmed deaths and approximately 246 cases, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). The outbreak is centered in the eastern province of Ituri, particularly affecting the mining cities of Mongwalu and Rwampara. While preliminary tests detected the virus in multiple samples, Congolese authorities have not yet formally declared an outbreak, with only four deaths laboratory-confirmed so far. The crisis has crossed borders, with Uganda confirming one death linked to the DRC outbreak. In response, the Africa CDC is convening emergency meetings with the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan to coordinate regional surveillance and response efforts. Containment is complicated by the ongoing military regime in Ituri, established in 2021 to combat armed groups like the Allied Democratic Forces, which restricts civilian authority and cooperation. This marks the seventeenth Ebola outbreak in the DRC, a country that previously suffered a severe epidemic between 2018 and 2020. Health officials warn that significant population movement increases the risk of further regional spread.
ExameEbola Outbreak in Eastern DR Congo Claims 80 Lives
Health officials have confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the eastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), specifically in Ituri province, which has resulted in at least 80 deaths and approximately 246 suspected cases. Laboratory tests at the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale in Kinshasa verified the presence of the virus, identified as the Bundibugyo strain. The World Health Organization (WHO) deployed emergency teams after receiving initial alerts on May 5. The situation is complicated by worsening regional security, including armed clashes that have displaced civilians and strained health infrastructure. There is a significant risk of cross-border transmission, with Uganda already reporting one imported case linked to the outbreak, although no local transmission has been detected there yet. The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has convened emergency meetings with regional partners to enhance surveillance and response efforts, citing mining-related mobility and dense urban settlements as factors increasing the spread risk.
The Indian ExpressRare Ebola Strain Outbreak Kills 65 in DR Congo, Spreads to Uganda
A new outbreak of a rare strain of the Ebola virus has claimed at least 65 lives in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). Health authorities have identified 246 suspected cases associated with this recent surge in infections. The crisis has escalated beyond national borders, confirmed by the death of a Congolese national in Kampala, the capital of neighboring Uganda. This cross-border fatality has intensified concerns among regional health officials regarding the potential for wider transmission across East and Central Africa. The identification of a rare strain adds complexity to containment efforts, requiring specialized medical responses and heightened surveillance. The situation underscores the persistent public health challenges faced by the region, where infrastructure limitations can hinder rapid response to infectious disease outbreaks. International health organizations are likely monitoring the situation closely to prevent further escalation. The report highlights the urgent need for coordinated regional cooperation to manage the spread of the virus and protect vulnerable populations in both the DRC and Uganda.
Al Jazeera – Breaking News, World News and Video from Al JazeeraDRC Confirms New Ebola Outbreak in Ituri Province with 80 Deaths
The Democratic Republic of Congo has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the eastern Ituri province, resulting in 80 deaths and 246 suspected cases. Health officials identified the Bundibugyo strain, a non-Zaire variant, which complicates response efforts as existing vaccines target the more common Zaire strain. The index case was a nurse who died in Bunia. In response, the DRC government activated its emergency operations center, while the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention convened urgent meetings with regional partners to enhance cross-border surveillance. Concerns are heightened by intense population movement and mining activities near Uganda and South Sudan; Uganda reported one imported death in Kampala. The World Health Organization dispatched teams and released $500,000 in emergency funds after laboratory confirmation. This crisis unfolds amidst severe security instability in Ituri, where militia clashes have disrupted healthcare and worsened humanitarian conditions. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976, highlighting ongoing challenges in managing epidemics in conflict-affected regions with limited medical infrastructure.
The Straits Times World NewsEbola Outbreak Spreads from DRC to Uganda Amid Global Concerns
An Ebola outbreak originating in the northeastern Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) has crossed into Uganda, raising significant concerns about the difficulty of containment. The outbreak, linked to 80 deaths and hundreds of suspected infections, was confirmed by DRC Health Minister Samuel Roger Kamba Mulamba, who reported eight confirmed cases of the Bundibugyo strain in the health zones of Rwampara, Mongwalu, and Bunia. To date, the ministry has identified 246 suspected cases. The index case is believed to be a nurse who died at the Evangelical Medical Center in Bunia after exhibiting severe symptoms, including fever, bleeding, vomiting, and weakness. This cross-border spread occurs against a backdrop of reduced global aid, testing the international community's response capabilities. The confirmation of the virus in Uganda marks a critical escalation in the regional health crisis, prompting urgent attention from health authorities and international organizations focused on preventing further transmission in the Great Lakes region.
Latest articles - The Japan TimesNew Ebola Epidemic Declared in DRC and Uganda; Non-Zaire Strain Suspected
The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has declared a new Ebola epidemic in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). As of May 15, 2026, authorities have recorded 246 suspected cases resulting in 65 deaths, with four deaths laboratory-confirmed. Concurrently, Uganda confirmed its first case involving a man who died after traveling from the DRC. Initial analyses suggest the outbreak involves a non-Zaire Ebola strain, for which no specific vaccines or treatments currently exist, raising significant public health concerns. The Africa CDC is organizing urgent high-level coordination meetings with affected nations and international partners to enhance cross-border surveillance and response efforts. This marks the seventeenth Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976, complicating an already fragile security situation in the region. Health organizations, including the WHO and Doctors Without Borders, are deploying teams to assess risks and contain the spread amidst growing local anxiety.
Le Monde.fr - Actualités et Infos en France et dans le mondeNew Ebola Outbreak in DRC's Ituri Province Kills 65, Strain Lacks Vaccine
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC) has confirmed a new Ebola virus disease outbreak in the Democratic Republic of Congo’s Ituri province. As of May 15, there are approximately 246 suspected cases and 65 confirmed deaths. Laboratory tests have identified the pathogen as an Ebola virus, but preliminary genetic testing indicates it is a non-Zaire strain, for which current vaccines are ineffective. This development poses significant challenges for containment, as existing medical countermeasures do not protect against this variety. Experts from Imperial College London suggest that the high number of suspected cases implies weeks of undetected transmission, potentially making this the second-largest non-Zaire Ebola outbreak in history. Africa CDC is convening an urgent meeting with local governments and neighboring countries, including South Sudan and Uganda, to coordinate surveillance and response efforts. Concerns are heightened by the region's insecurity, highly mobile population, and cross-border movement. The Coalition for Epidemic Preparedness Innovation has offered support for research and clinical trials. This outbreak occurs just five months after the previous Zaire strain epidemic in the DRC was declared over.
TIMENew Ebola Outbreak in Congo Kills at Least 65 People
The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of Congo, marking the country's 17th outbreak since 1976. Authorities have recorded 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, primarily in the remote health zones of Mongwalu and Rwampara. A significant concern is the identification of a non-Zaire Ebola strain, which renders the existing stockpile of Zaire-specific vaccines potentially ineffective. The outbreak poses cross-border risks to neighboring Uganda and South Sudan due to proximity and intense population movement, exacerbated by local instability from armed group attacks. Logistical challenges, including poor road networks and gaps in contact tracing, hinder response efforts. In reaction, the Africa CDC convened an urgent meeting with health authorities from affected countries and international partners to coordinate surveillance, resource mobilization, and containment strategies. Experts emphasize the need for rapid deployment of expertise and equipment, noting that while Congo has experience from previous outbreaks, funding and logistical hurdles remain critical obstacles to controlling the spread of the virus in this remote region.
New York PostNew Ebola Outbreak in Congo Kills Over 65 as WHO Deploys Experts
Health authorities have confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in at least 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Africa) reported that most cases are concentrated in the Mongbwalu and Rwampara health zones, with additional suspicious cases pending confirmation in Bunia. Preliminary lab tests identified the virus in 13 out of 20 samples, suggesting a strain different from the predominant Zaire Ebola, though sequencing is ongoing to characterize it fully. In response, the World Health Organization (WHO) has mobilized experts to assist local authorities in containing the spread, marking the seventeenth Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976. WHO Director-General Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus affirmed the organization's full support, noting the country's strong track record in epidemic response. Additional specialists in risk communication, infection control, and clinical care are expected to join the team soon. The Ebola virus, known for high contagion through bodily fluids, remains a serious and often fatal threat in the region.
Portada // elmundoNew Ebola Outbreak in DR Congo Kills 65, Raising Cross-Border Alarm
Health authorities have confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, resulting in 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases. The Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Africa) reported that preliminary tests indicate the strain is not the predominant Zaire variant, raising concerns about the efficacy of existing vaccine stockpiles which target Zaire. The outbreak is concentrated in the Mongbwalu and Rwampara health zones, areas characterized by remote geography, intense mining-related mobility, and ongoing insecurity from armed groups. These factors complicate contact tracing and containment efforts. With affected areas near the borders of Uganda and South Sudan, there is significant risk of cross-border spread. In response, CDC Africa is convening an urgent meeting with health officials from the three nations and international partners to coordinate surveillance, resource mobilization, and infection control. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the DRC since 1976, occurring just five months after the previous epidemic was declared over. The World Health Organization emphasizes the persistent threat of such diseases to public health in the region.
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