The Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC Africa) has confirmed a new Ebola outbreak in the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), with 65 deaths and 246 suspected cases reported. The outbreak is concentrated in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones of Ituri province, with four deaths confirmed among laboratory-tested cases. Additional suspected cases have been reported in Bunia, pending confirmation.
The Ebola virus, which spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids, causes severe symptoms including fever, muscle pain, fatigue, and organ failure. Early symptoms often progress to severe bleeding. There is no cure for the disease, which has a high fatality rate. This outbreak marks the DRC's 17th since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976.
The latest outbreak follows the country's previous Ebola outbreak, which was declared over in February 2023 after 43 deaths. The DRC's deadliest outbreak occurred between 2018 and 2020, resulting in nearly 2,300 deaths. The current outbreak poses additional challenges due to ongoing violence in the region, including conflicts with armed groups such as the M23 rebel group and the ISIS-linked Allied Democratic Forces (ADF). Ituri's remote location and poor infrastructure further complicate response efforts.
In response to the outbreak, the Africa CDC has convened a meeting with the DRC, Uganda, South Sudan, and other international partners to discuss cross-border surveillance and response strategies. The DRC's Ministry of Health and the National Public Institute have collaborated with the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) in Kinshasa to confirm the virus in 13 of 20 tested samples.
The outbreak has raised concerns about the DRC's ability to manage public health crises amid ongoing instability. The country's vast size and logistical challenges have historically hindered effective disease response. The Africa CDC and international partners are working to reinforce preparedness and response efforts in the affected regions.