A new Ebola outbreak in Congo has been confirmed in the remote Ituri province, where 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths have been recorded so far, according to the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The suspected cases and deaths are mainly concentrated in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, with additional suspected cases reported in Bunia, the capital of Ituri province near the Uganda border.

Preliminary laboratory testing has detected Ebola virus in 13 of 20 samples, while four deaths have been reported among laboratory-confirmed cases. More testing is still needed to identify the strain, though early findings suggest it is not the Zaire variant, one of the deadliest Ebola strains and the one for which the Ervebo vaccine is used.

Why Health Officials Are Concerned

• High mobility: Mining-related movement in Mongwalu and travel between affected areas increases the risk of wider transmission.
• Cross-border risk: Ituri is close to Uganda, and Uganda has reported one Ebola-related death linked to a Congolese patient.
• Security challenges: Parts of eastern Congo face insecurity from armed groups, which can slow contact tracing, field work, and medical response.
• Poor road networks: Ituri’s remote location and weak transport infrastructure make it harder to move health workers, samples, equipment, and supplies.
• Contact tracing gaps: Africa CDC has flagged gaps in contact listing and outbreak control as key concerns.

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Regional Response Underway

Africa CDC said rapid regional coordination is essential because of population movement between affected areas and neighboring countries. The agency is working with health authorities in DRC, Uganda, and South Sudan, along with partners including United Nations agencies, to strengthen surveillance, preparedness, and response.

The response priorities include cross-border coordination, laboratory support, infection prevention and control, risk communication, safe and dignified burials, and resource mobilization. The World Health Organization has also dispatched a team to the area and released $500,000 for outbreak response.

Key Outbreak Statistics

What Communities Are Being Advised

Health officials are urging people in affected and at-risk areas to report symptoms quickly, avoid direct contact with suspected cases, and cooperate with response teams. Ebola spreads through bodily fluids such as blood, vomit, and semen, making early isolation, safe care practices, and community trust essential to containment.

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Final Takeaway

The new Ebola outbreak in Congo comes only months after the country’s previous outbreak was declared over. With 65 deaths already recorded, difficult terrain, insecurity, and cross-border movement make containment urgent. Congo has significant experience managing Ebola, but rapid testing, surveillance, funding, and community cooperation will be critical to prevent wider spread.

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