A new Ebola virus outbreak has been declared in the Ituri province of the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC), according to the Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention (Africa CDC). So far, approximately 246 cases and 65 deaths have been reported — mostly in gold-mining towns including Kongolo and Rwamagana.
Regional Coordination Urged
In a statement issued on Friday, May 15, 2026, Africa CDC announced an emergency meeting with the DRC government, neighboring Uganda and South Sudan, and other international partners. The session will focus on response priorities, including outbreak containment and cross-border surveillance.
Dr. Jean Kaseya, Director General of Africa CDC, emphasized that significant population movement between affected areas and neighboring countries makes regional coordination essential.
About the Virus
First identified in 1976 in what is now the DRC, Ebola is believed to originate from fruit bats. This marks the 17th Ebola outbreak in the country.
The virus spreads through direct contact with bodily fluids or broken skin, leading to severe hemorrhage and organ failure. Early symptoms include fever, muscle pain, fatigue, headache, and sore throat — followed by vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and internal or external bleeding.
There is no proven cure for Ebola. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), the average case fatality rate is around 50%.