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Africa CDC confirms Ebola outbreak in Ituri, Congo
Africa Centres for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed an Ebola outbreak in Ituri province, Democratic Republic of Congo. The agency reported 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, mainly in Mongwalu and Rwampara, with four deaths among lab-confirmed cases, and said sequencing is ongoing to identify the virus strain.
Why It Matters
The announcement triggers cross-border surveillance and regional response planning with neighboring countries, given urban settings and mobile populations that could accelerate spread.
Timeline
1 Event
Ebola outbreak confirmed in Ituri; Africa CDC to convene urgent regional meeting
May 15, 2026
Africa CDC said there is a confirmed Ebola outbreak in Ituri province and announced an urgent meeting with Congo, Uganda, South Sudan and global partners to reinforce cross-border surveillance, preparedness and response efforts. The agency reported about 246 suspected cases and 65 deaths, mainly in the Mongwalu and Rwampara health zones, while four deaths have been reported among laboratory-confirmed cases. Initial findings suggested the presence of a non-Zaire strain of the virus, with sequencing ongoing to further characterise it. Africa CDC noted concerns about the risk of further spread due to the urban context of Bunia and Rwampara, intense population movement, and mining-related mobility in Mongwalu.