Africa CDC ramps up response as Ebola outbreak surges in eastern DRC

DRC—The Africa CDC has intensified efforts to contain a growing Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) outbreak in Ituri province in eastern Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), amid rising fears of cross-border transmission into neighbouring countries.

The public health agency confirmed that it is working closely with the DRC’s Ministry of Health, the National Public Health Institute, and international partners to coordinate an emergency regional response following the detection of the Ebola virus in multiple laboratory samples.

Preliminary tests conducted by the Institut National de Recherche Biomédicale (INRB) identified the virus in 13 of 20 samples analysed, while ongoing genomic sequencing is expected to determine the exact strain involved.

Initial findings suggest the outbreak may involve a non-Zaire ebolavirus strain, potentially the Bundibugyo strain, which lacks an approved vaccine.

Rising cases and regional threats

According to Africa CDC, authorities have recorded approximately 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, with the majority reported in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones.

Four deaths have already been confirmed through laboratory testing, while additional suspected cases remain under investigation in Bunia, a densely populated urban centre in Ituri province.

Health officials have expressed concern over the speed at which the outbreak could spread due to heavy population movement across eastern DRC.

Mining-related mobility in Mongwalu, ongoing insecurity in affected regions, gaps in contact tracing, and challenges in infection prevention continue to complicate containment efforts.

Authorities are also monitoring the proximity of the outbreak to Uganda and South Sudan, particularly after Uganda confirmed an imported Ebola-related death involving a traveller from the DRC.

The outbreak marks the DRC’s 17th recorded Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified in the country in 1976.

The latest resurgence comes only months after the country declared an earlier outbreak over in September 2025.

Africa CDC coordinates emergency meeting

In response to the escalating situation, the Africa CDC convened an urgent high-level coordination meeting on May 15, 2026, bringing together health authorities from the DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan alongside global health organisations and pharmaceutical partners.

Participants included the World Health Organization, UNICEF, the United States CDC, the European CDC, Merck & Co., Johnson & Johnson, BioNTech, Moderna, Gavi, and Médecins Sans Frontières.

The discussions focused on strengthening surveillance systems, expanding laboratory testing, improving infection prevention and control measures, enhancing risk communication, supporting safe burials, and mobilising emergency funding and medical resources.

Expanded surveillance and Preparedness Efforts

Africa CDC Director General Jean Kaseya said rapid regional coordination remains essential because of extensive movement between affected areas and neighbouring countries.

He noted that Africa CDC is supporting emergency operations, digital surveillance, cross-border preparedness, laboratory coordination, and community engagement efforts to help interrupt transmission chains.

Meanwhile, the WHO has allocated US$500,000 to support response activities in the DRC, while health agencies in Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan have increased screening and preparedness measures at border points and health facilities.